SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is hopeful that the upcoming administration in Washington, led by Donald Trump, will adopt a more pragmatic approach to allow India to procure Russian weapons and spare parts. India, one of the largest operators of Russian-origin defense systems, has been grappling with challenges in maintaining its existing inventory due to economic sanctions on the Russian banking system. These sanctions, imposed as part of broader U.S. measures against Russia, have disrupted payment mechanisms and restricted India’s ability to trade freely with Moscow.
The sanctions, particularly on the Russian banking system, have created logistical hurdles for the procurement of critical spare parts and upgrades. These delays threaten the operational readiness of India’s defense forces, forcing the MoD to explore alternatives while lobbying for exemptions or workarounds.
The Indian government is optimistic that the Trump administration, once in office, will take a more transactional and strategic view of U.S.-India relations. During Donald Trump’s previous tenure as president, his administration emphasized pragmatism over strict adherence to policy frameworks, often prioritizing bilateral defense ties and strategic partnerships.
India hopes that the new administration will:
- Grant exemptions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for its Russian defense procurements.
- Facilitate alternate payment mechanisms, such as third-party countries or non-dollar transactions, to bypass sanctioned Russian banks.
- Recognize India’s unique position as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific and the necessity of maintaining its legacy Russian systems for operational stability.
While India remains dependent on Russian-origin platforms, the country has also been pursuing indigenization and diversifying its defense procurement sources. The MoD has accelerated indigenous programs like the Tejas fighter jet, Arjun MBT, and Akash missile system to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, India has increased defense imports from countries like the U.S., France, and Israel, demonstrating its intent to balance its defense partnerships.
India’s challenge lies in maintaining its strong defense relationship with Russia while deepening strategic ties with the U.S. Washington’s sanctions policy inadvertently complicates this balance, potentially undermining its broader Indo-Pacific strategy where India is seen as a key partner.