India-Russia Defence Cooperations

Syllabus: GS2/IR/GS3/Defence

In News

• Recently, Russia’s state-owned defense export company (Rosoboronexport) proposed a partnership with India on the Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), the Su-57E. 

India-Russia Defence cooperations

• Defence cooperation is a key aspect of the India-Russia strategic partnership, guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation.
• The India-Russia defense cooperation also includes the supply and development of military equipment and technology, as well as agreements like the military technical cooperation and a Navy-to-Navy cooperation agreement.

Cooperation Frameworks

• Agreement for 2021-2031 signed during the India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue in  2021
  • It aims to strengthen military cooperation in R&D, production, and after-sales support of armaments and military equipment. 
• IRIGC-MTC : India and Russia have a structured approach for military cooperation, led by the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), established in 2000.
• Annual Defence Minister Meetings: The Defence Ministers meet annually to review ongoing projects and discuss military cooperation. 
• Bilateral Projects: It includes the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles. 
• Joint Exercises – “INDRA”: Tri-Service joint exercises, including the Indra exercise, have been held.
  • India also participated in the International Army Games and Ex Vostok in Russia.
  • Exercise Aviaindra, a Biennial Air Force level exercise between Indian and the Russian Federation.
• India and Russia had previously signed a joint development deal in 2010 for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA)program, but India withdrew in 2018 due to issues with technology transfer.

Latest Developments

• Su-57E in India:  Russia’s state-owned defense export company  offered to localize production of the Su-57E in India, potentially starting as early as 2025, at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plant.
  • It would provide advanced fifth-generation technologies, including engines, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, optics, AI elements, software communication, and air weapons.
  • These technologies could benefit India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. 
• Additionally, Russia proposed long-term cooperation with India in upgrading aircraft capabilities, building on 60 years of successful collaboration in aircraft production.
• Russia is considering a logistics support agreement similar to India’s Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the US.
  • This would allow mutual use of military bases for refuelling, repairs, and resupply.
• Russia recently authorized the signing of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), which will facilitate military exchanges, exercises, training, port calls, and humanitarian assistance operations. 

Importance 

• India views Russia as a long-time ally, particularly from the Cold War era, with significant cooperation in defence, oil, nuclear energy, and space exploration.
• India-Russia defence relations are robust  which highlight the compatibility of their military hardware, which India largely procures from Russia.
• The potential logistics agreement holds strategic significance for India, especially in the Arctic region, as it would enhance India’s presence in this geopolitically critical area with access to Russian military facilities.

Issues and Concerns 

• Reliance on import : India  is trying to develop into a defence manufacturing hub.
  • But it lacks a strong industrial base for military equipment.
• Russia -Ukraine War has raised concerns about Russia’s ability to meet timelines for spares and hardware.
  • Western sanctions on Russia have raised concerns about delays in military deliveries
• China Factor  : The  partnership has become complicated due to Russia’s growing ties with China, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is seen as a challenge for India.

Conclusion  

• India-Russia military technical cooperation has evolved over time from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.
• Therefore to maintain their partnership ,India and Russia must address emerging issues.
  • This collaboration will continue to play a key role in shaping regional and global security.

Source :TH