Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India on 4-5 December. He will participate in the summit with PM Narendra Modi. There is tension between the two countries due to US President Trump’s actions like tariffs against India. In such a situation, this visit of Putin can be important. It is believed that some important agreements may also be signed between the two old friends. This visit was announced by National Security Advisor Ajit Doble several months ago.
Let us understand, under the pretext of this visit of the Russian President, to how many countries does Russia supply arms to India? What kind of weapons does it make and sell? How hi-tech are these weapons?
Russia is one of the largest arms supplier countries in the world. From the Soviet era to today’s Putin era, Russia has not only built a huge weapons system for itself, but has also created an extensive military diplomatic network by selling weapons worth hundreds of billions of dollars to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
To how many countries does Russia supply arms?
According to various international defense analysis reports, in the last two decades, Russia has supplied small arms, missile systems, tanks, fighter aircraft, helicopters and air defense systems to more than 50 countries. These include big countries of Asia like India, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Bangladesh, countries of the Middle East like Algeria, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Egypt, and partners of Africa like Angola, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Russia’s arms export policy is not just a business but also a geopolitical strategy.
In countries with which Russia wants to increase political proximity or balance the influence of Western countries, it offers arms, training, technical cooperation and partnership in defense industry. India is at the very center of this strategy.
Russia has supplied weapons to more than 50 small and big countries. Photo: AP/PTI
How deep are the defense relations between India and Russia?
Russia (including the old Soviet Union) has been India’s largest defense partner for decades. Even today, a large part of the Indian Armed Forces has weapons and platforms of Russian origin.
From the old fighter planes of the Indian Air Force (IAF) like MiG 21, MiG 29 to modern multi-role fighters like Sukhoi 30 MKI, S-400 air defense missile system and transport and trainer aircraft, there has been Russian contribution.
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The Indian Army has a large number of Russian T-72 and T-90 tanks. There are infantry combat vehicles like BMP 2. Along with multi-barrel rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, artillery systems, many types of radar and communication systems are also based on Russian technology.
Similarly, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier like INS Vikramaditya is of Russian origin. Many frigates, submarines and missile systems have been taken from Russia. The Nuclear Attack Submarine to be provided to India has also been taken on lease from Russia, which is a sign of deep trust between the two countries.
Many joint development programs of India and Russia are also going on. BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a joint project of both the countries, which is counted among the fastest and reliable cruise missiles in the world. Many joint production schemes are also going on in the field of helicopters, spare parts and ammunition.
Russia’s short range ballistic Iskander missile. Photo: AP/PTI
What weapons does Russia supply?
Russia’s arms portfolio is huge. Broadly it can be divided into five parts.
- Air Defense and Missile Systems: Long range air defense systems like S-300 and S-400, which can target enemy fighter planes, drones and ballistic missiles from hundreds of kilometers away. Short and medium range anti aircraft systems like Tor, Buk, Pantsir. Various types of surface-to-ground and surface-to-air missiles.
- Fighter aircraft and helicopters: Sukhoi, MiG series fighter jets, modern attack helicopters like Mi 28, Ka 52 and transport helicopters Mi 17, Mi 26 etc., which are the backbone of the armies of many countries.
- Tanks and Armored Vehicles: Russia also supplies main battle tanks like T-72, T-80, T-90, future platforms like T-14 Armata and Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Personal Carriers etc.
- Naval Weapons: Russia also has diesel-electric and nuclear submarines, frigates, corvettes, missile boats and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and naval radar systems.
- Small Arms, Radar and Electronic Systems: Its capital ranges from assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns to surveillance radars, fire control systems, electronic warfare equipment and command and control networks and simulators etc.
Russia’s nuclear submarine. Photo: AP/PTI
How high-tech are Russian weapons?
Russia has often had a reputation as a manufacturer of strong but rough weapons, meaning systems that may sometimes look less flashy than those produced in the West, but are rugged, durable and cheap to use on the battlefield. Yet in many areas Russian technology is considered to be among the most advanced in the world.
Now let us understand its missile and its air defense technology. The range, tracking and multi-target capability of the S-400 system makes it among the most advanced air defense systems in the world. Russia also calls itself a leader in the field of hypersonic missiles. Systems like the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos are not only fast but can be launched from all three platforms: sea, land and air.
Russia’s submarine and underwater technology is very quiet and deadly. Long-range torpedoes and sonar technology are Russia’s main strengths. Many times, compared to Western countries, Russia is ready to provide modern technology at a relatively lower cost, and also offers local production and technology transfer. This is what makes it attractive for countries like India. Of course, the West is considered ahead of Russia in some areas, such as cutting-edge electronics, sensors, or stealth technology, but overall Russian weapons are still seen as battle-hardened, reliable, and affordable high-tech options.
Russia’s Ka-52 helicopter. Photo: AP/PTI
What is the meaning of Putin’s visit to India?
Whenever Vladimir Putin visits India, defense cooperation is on top of the agenda. This visit is not limited to just signing new deals, it also gives strategic assurance. Leasing nuclear submarines, supplying missile defense systems or jointly manufacturing cruise missiles, these steps show that the level of trust between the two countries is very high.
India now not only wants to buy arms, but also wants local production and technology transfer. Russia is relatively more prepared for this. During Putin’s visits, projects are often announced that involve production and joint research on Indian soil.
Despite India’s strong ties with the US and Europe, New Delhi wants to maintain its strategic autonomy. Deep military ties with Russia give India a balance and option. Putin’s visit further strengthens the message that India wants to play a balancing role in the multi-polar world system and not in any one camp.
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