Russia is expanding defence cooperation with India through a combination of private-sector and state-owned manufacturers, as New Delhi places greater emphasis on local production, technology transfer and co-development. Adani Defence & Aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) are involved in several contracts and procurement programmes, according to reports.
The emerging partnership reflects a shift in India’s defence procurement priorities. Rather than relying solely on imported equipment, Indian rules increasingly favour manufacturing within the country, including through licensed production, technical collaboration and joint ventures. For Russia, the arrangement provides continued access to one of its most important defence markets while offering India a way to sustain and modernise Russian-origin platforms already used by its armed forces.
Adani Defence has emerged as a significant participant in the air-defence segment. The company has secured at least six contracts during the past two years to supply Igla-S man-portable air-defence missiles to the Army, Navy and Air Force. The contracts were concluded under emergency procurement provisions designed to accelerate the acquisition of urgently needed military equipment, with individual deals capped at ₹300 crore.
The Igla-S programme involves technical cooperation with Russian company SpecTech LLC. Adani is also reported to be in the final stages of a ₹1,800-crore contract for the more advanced 9K333 Verba shoulder-fired missile. The procurement is being processed as a single-vendor case, reportedly exempt from competitive bidding, and the missiles are expected to be manufactured in India to meet future requirements from the armed forces.
The company is also discussing possible co-production of more sophisticated air-defence systems, including the Pantsir. Separately, Adani has signed a long-term ammunition supply agreement with Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd and is manufacturing components for AK-203 assault rifles. These activities indicate an effort to build a broader defence-manufacturing portfolio spanning missiles, ammunition, small arms and air-defence equipment.
HAL’s cooperation with Russian companies is focused on upgrading the Indian Air Force’s fleet of Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. HAL is expected to undertake most of the work, while Russian firms would provide technical consultancy. The upgrade programme is intended to extend the aircraft’s service life and improve their combat capabilities, although specific details of the proposed enhancements have not been publicly disclosed.
BDL, meanwhile, is working on a contract to manufacture long-range air-to-air missiles for the Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fleets. The programme would include technology transfer and could represent a rare instance of a Russian-origin air-to-air missile being manufactured in India. Domestic production could help improve supply resilience, reduce dependence on imports and support faster replenishment for the Air Force.
Despite the deepening cooperation, not all Russian proposals have gained traction. The proposed sale and co-production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter has reportedly failed to secure sufficient interest, with the Indian Air Force continuing to support Rafale aircraft and the indigenous Advanced Multi Role Combat Aircraft programme.
Russia’s proposal to supply three refurbished EKM-class diesel-electric submarines has also yet to find a buyer. Concerns have reportedly grown over Moscow’s ability to deliver major projects while its defence industry remains under pressure from the war in Ukraine. India is also awaiting a Chakra-class nuclear-powered attack submarine under a 2019 agreement, originally scheduled for delivery in 2025.
These recent developments underline a pragmatic pattern in India-Russia defence ties: cooperation continues where it supports local manufacturing and existing operational needs, while high-value proposals face closer scrutiny over cost, capability, timelines and strategic priorities.
