SOURCE: AFI
India’s geopolitical position is increasingly being tested as diplomatic tensions with the West rise, particularly with the United States and Canada. Both nations have been criticized by New Delhi for allegedly allowing Khalistani extremists to operate freely from their soil, ignoring India’s repeated concerns. The recent escalation in hostility has led to discussions on whether India should approve arms sales to Russia as a strategic response, a nation that remains a key defense partner.
India has been the largest producer of Russian weaponry outside of Russia for decades, with Indian defense facilities producing major Russian-designed systems like the T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI fighter jets under license. However, India has historically avoided selling domestically produced arms directly to Russia, maintaining a balanced foreign policy aimed at preserving strategic autonomy. This policy has been challenged by the unfolding international dynamics, particularly the diplomatic spat with Canada and growing unease with the United States.
The root cause of the current debate stems from accusations that both the U.S. and Canada have turned a blind eye to the activities of Khalistani separatist groups operating within their borders. These groups, which advocate for an independent Sikh state carved out of India, have long been a source of tension in India’s relations with these countries. The Indian government has consistently raised the issue in bilateral talks, but little has been done in response to New Delhi’s concerns.
Canada, in particular, has been accused of allowing Khalistani extremists to operate with relative impunity, which has severely strained relations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s perceived “anti-India rhetoric” and inability to address the issue have been interpreted in New Delhi as an outright disregard for Indian national security.
The diplomatic row escalated further when Russian media outlet Sputnik recently pointed out that while no Indian secessionist groups operate in Russia, the same cannot be said for the United States. This subtle jab highlights Moscow’s position as a long-standing ally to India, contrasting sharply with what India sees as Western hypocrisy in dealing with secessionist movements.
Russia has been a consistent defense partner for India since the Cold War era. From fighter jets to submarines, Russian defense technology forms the backbone of India’s military capabilities. In return, India has become the largest producer of Russian weaponry outside of Russia, with a robust defense-industrial collaboration that includes joint ventures, licensed production, and technology transfers. However, India has not yet crossed the threshold of selling its domestically produced arms back to Russia.
The current geopolitical climate, particularly Western hostility and a perceived lack of action on Khalistani extremism, has led some in India to question whether this should change. Should India leverage its industrial capabilities to supply arms to Russia in response to Western actions?
While India has not sold weapons directly to Russia, Ukraine has been able to procure Indian-made weapons through European intermediaries. During the ongoing Ukraine conflict, there have been reports that Ukrainian forces have acquired Indian-made equipment, highlighting the complex web of international arms trade and how indirect channels can bypass official positions.
This paradox—where Ukraine can indirectly benefit from Indian arms but Russia cannot—has led some Indian defense experts to argue that the time may be right for a change in policy. By selling arms to Russia, India could assert its independence on the global stage, while simultaneously signaling to the U.S. and Canada that their support for Khalistani extremists comes with consequences.
As India navigates the complex web of international diplomacy, the decision to approve arms sales to Russia in response to Western support for Khalistani extremism is fraught with both opportunity and risk. While it could strengthen India’s defense ties with Russia and send a powerful message to the U.S. and Canada, it could also strain relations with the West and complicate India’s efforts to maintain strategic autonomy.