SOURCE: AFI
In an exclusive interview with News18 on February 28, 2025, Russian Ambassador to New Delhi Denis Alipov emphasized Russia’s robust position in India’s military-technical market, even as India broadens its defence cooperation under the Make in India initiative. Alipov highlighted the deep-rooted Indo-Russian partnership, underpinned by decades of joint production and technology transfers, while acknowledging India’s openness to collaborate with various global players. This statement comes at a time when India is intensifying its push for indigenous defence manufacturing and diversifying its procurement sources, a dynamic that Russia aims to navigate with competitive offerings.
Ambassador Alipov underscored Russia’s enduring presence in India’s defence ecosystem, noting that systems of Soviet or Russian origin constitute over 50% of India’s weaponry, rising to 90% in certain sectors like armoured vehicles and fighter aircraft. “We have a very solid presence in this market and are prepared to compete. We have very strong positions in the Indian markets,” he told News18, pointing to Russia’s historical role as a reliable partner before the Make in India program gained momentum.
This dominance is exemplified by successful joint ventures such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile project, launched in 1998. A collaboration between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, BrahMos has become a flagship example of Indo-Russian cooperation, with production heavily localized in India. Alipov noted that third countries are showing “great interest” in the missile, and efforts are underway to develop a hypersonic variant, further enhancing its strategic appeal.
Other milestones include the licensed assembly of nearly 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30 MKI fighter jets in India, with localization levels reaching 70-90%. The Indo-Russia Rifles joint venture, producing AK-203 submachine guns at a facility in Uttar Pradesh, is another testament to this partnership’s depth. These projects not only bolster India’s military capabilities but also align with its goal of self-reliance by fostering domestic manufacturing.
Alipov acknowledged India’s focus on the Make in India initiative, which prioritizes domestic production of defence equipment. “India is interested in the Make In India program and is focused on the equipment being produced domestically. For this, India is ready to cooperate with all parties, including Russia,” he said. This openness has seen India engage with suppliers like the United States, France, and Israel, alongside traditional partners like Russia, as it seeks to modernize its armed forces and reduce import dependency.
The Indian market’s commercial promise, as highlighted by the ambassador, stems from its scale and strategic importance. With a defence budget of $81 billion in FY 2024-25 and plans to induct over $130 billion worth of equipment by 2030, India offers a lucrative opportunity for global defence firms. However, Alipov emphasized Russia’s competitive edge: “India is free to buy defence equipment and weapons from other suppliers as well. It is clear that US equipment is considerably more expensive than Russian products.”
He pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as a real-world validation of Russian hardware’s quality. “The exceptional quality of our products, including planes, unmanned aerial vehicles, and much more, has been shown, while the prices are significantly lower,” Alipov asserted. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with Russia’s willingness to share technology, positions it favorably against Western competitors, whose systems often come with higher price tags and stricter export controls.
While Russia remains a dominant player, India’s diversification efforts are reshaping its defence procurement landscape. The U.S. has emerged as a key supplier, with deals like the $3.5 billion Apache and Chinook helicopter sales and the $4 billion MQ-9B drone agreement in 2023. France, too, has secured contracts for Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines, while Israel provides drones and missile defence systems. Yet, Russia’s lower costs and established infrastructure—such as spare parts networks and training programs—give it a unique advantage.
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