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Introduction

India’s defence ties with the U.S. and Russia reflect two distinct strategic approaches- traditional reliance vs. evolving partnerships. In light of rising geopolitical tensions and shifting power dynamics, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, these defence ties hold significant implications for regional stability and India’s role as a key security actor.

Body

Russia as a Time-Tested Partner:

  • Defense Cooperation: Russia has historically been India’s primary arms supplier, accounting for 36% of its arms imports (S-400 air defense systems and MiG-29 fighter jets).
  • Strategic Alignment: Both nations share common interests in regional security and have collaborated in counter-terrorism efforts and military exercises.
    • Their cooperation extends to aligning strategies in multilateral forums such as the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
    • This alignment demonstrates their long-standing commitment to shared regional and global security.

Strategic Relevance of India-U.S. Defence Cooperation:

  • 10-Year Defense Framework: India and the U.S. are working on a comprehensive 10-year defense cooperation framework, aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense ties between the two nations.
  • Shared Indo-Pacific Vision: India and the U.S. share common concerns over China’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific and have aligned their strategic interests to promote a “Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-based Indo-Pacific,” aiming to ensure regional stability and security.
    • Both countries, as part of the multilateral Quad, further strengthen their collaboration to counter regional challenges.
  • Foundational Agreements: LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), and BECA (2020) are key agreements enhancing India-U.S. defense cooperation.
    • LEMOA improves logistics support, COMCASA boosts communication interoperability, and BECA strengthens geospatial intelligence sharing.
      • All aimed at improving operational efficiency and countering regional threats, particularly from China.
  • Military Exercises: Military exercises such as the MALABAR Naval Exercise strengthen maritime security and counter China’s growing influence in the region.
    • Similarly, Yudh Abhyas and Vajra Prahar focus on improving joint operational capabilities, and fostering strategic partnerships among participating nations.
  • Enhancing Defense through Tech Collaboration; The India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET, 2023) fosters defense innovation.
    • It promotes collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, AI, driving technological advancements to enhance both nations’ defense capabilities.

Strategic Relevance of Indo-US vs. Indo-Russia Defence Engagements:

Aspect

India–US Defence Engagement

India–Russia Defence Engagement

Strategic Focus

Countering China, maritime security, rules-based order.

Traditional partner, with legacy systems.

Partnership Nature

Interoperability, joint operations, and QUAD alignment.

Legacy hardware (45% of Indian military hardware), maintenance support.

Tech Transfer & Constraints

Cutting-edge tech & joint production.i.e: iCET

Limited transfer & supply chain risks due to Western sanctions post-Ukraine crisis.

Geopolitical Challenges

Strategic alignment with Indo-Pacific goals.

China’s growing influence on Russia limits the Indo-Pacific role.

Strategic impact on Indo-Pacific

Future-oriented, focused on maritime domain awareness, rules-based order, countering Chinese assertiveness.

Limited Indo-Pacific presence despite historical ties.

Conclusion

While Russia remains a key defense partner, India’s balancing act with the U.S. reflects a deliberate strategy of India First. The U.S. plays a crucial role in securing the Indo-Pacific through strategic alignment and interoperability, especially in countering China’s rise. This strategic balance ensures India’s regional stability and supports a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish July 4, 2025