India-Russia strengthen defence ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin advance joint research, co-development, and Make-in-India military production. The 23rd Annual Summit highlights deeper cooperation, technology transfer, and expanded strategic engagement through 2030.
India and Russia have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership by expanding joint research, development, and production of advanced military technologies. During the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit held on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin described the defence relationship as a “pillar” of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that has shaped bilateral ties for decades.
Both leaders emphasised that New Delhi and Moscow are now reorienting their military and military-technical cooperation toward deeper collaboration in cutting-edge defence systems. This involves an increased focus on co-development and co-production, in addition to continued joint research initiatives between the two nations’ defence industries.
The ongoing partnership, which has strengthened steadily over several decades, is guided by the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The Commission’s 22nd meeting was held on Thursday at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi and was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin welcomed the outcomes of the Commission’s latest session, expressing satisfaction with the consistent schedule of military-level engagements. This includes the Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao in June 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
According to the Joint Statement issued after the Summit, both nations agreed to promote large-scale joint manufacturing of spare parts, components, aggregates, and other equipment essential for maintaining Russian-origin platforms currently in service with the Indian Armed Forces. This cooperation will take place under the Make-in-India framework, with a strong emphasis on technology transfer and the establishment of joint ventures.
The two sides also acknowledged that such collaborations will not only cater to India’s domestic defence requirements but also enable future export to mutually friendly third countries. This aligns with India’s growing ambitions to emerge as a major global defence manufacturing and export hub.
India and Russia further appreciated the regular conduct of Joint Military Exercise Indra, which has become a symbol of the armed forces’ operational cooperation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint military activities, increasing military delegations, and sustaining the momentum of defence engagement.
Following his meeting with President Putin, Prime Minister Modi shared on X that the Summit provided an opportunity for “comprehensive discussions” on various aspects of bilateral cooperation. He added that the two countries have agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030 to diversify trade and investment. The programme will also focus on improving connectivity and strengthening ties in shipbuilding, skills development, energy, and critical minerals.
On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, where he reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. Singh emphasised the government’s push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to boost local production and exports in the defence sector. He also highlighted multiple new avenues for expanding cooperation in niche and emerging military technologies.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, Minister Belousov underscored Russia’s commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties, describing the relationship as one that has evolved through “many years of friendship and strategic cooperation.” He further stated that the Russian defence industry is prepared to support India’s long-term goals of defence self-reliance and industrial capability building.
As India continues to modernise its armed forces and develop indigenous capabilities, its partnership with Russia—long a backbone of its defence acquisitions—appears firmly positioned for a new era of technological and industrial collaboration. The agreements reached during the Summit reinforce New Delhi and Moscow’s shared intent to pursue future-ready defence solutions while strengthening a strategic partnership that remains one of the most enduring in global geopolitics.
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