In a significant reminder of its deep-seated role in India’s defense, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov stated, “Approximately 70 percent of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin.” This fact was the launching point for a major new defense proposal.
Alipov emphasized that this 60-year cooperation is the “backbone” of India’s military and has evolved into “full technology-sharing arrangements.”
He praised the success of joint ventures like BrahMos missiles and Su-30 MKI jets as the foundation for the next phase. This future, he said, includes “local production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.”
This defense push is strategically timed. It follows claims by Donald Trump that India would halt Russian oil imports, and comes as the US imposes tariffs on India, partly for that very trade.
While India’s MEA has cited “national interest” to rebut Trump, Russia’s message is clear: it is the partner that has historically equipped and technologically enabled India’s military, and it is ready to continue doing so.