Sanctions go for a toss as India swears by Russian defence supplies

With $13 billion imports in the last five years, India remains the largest buyer of Russian arms, despite sanctions imposed by the west against Russia and global appeals to India to stop trading with Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war, India has continued with its exports from Russia

Despite the unprecedented pressure on India from western countries, led by the United States, in connection with Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, it continues to be one of Russia’s main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation. The annual arms exports were about $14-15 billion, and the order book has remained steady at around $50 billion, Interfax reported.

India’s continuance to buy Russian crude despite sanctions imposed on Russia by the west or inviting adversaries USA and Russia on the same platform.

The US has come prepared to sell its modern platforms to India off-the-shelf virtually. The repeated technology transfer assurances and setting up manufacturing facilities has been India’s most important strategic victory. The roar of F-35s, F-21s, and B-1B strategic bombers of the USAF filled the skies during the Aero India show.

Russia has astoundingly made its presence by mentioning the Tu-160 (white swan) strategic bomber. It is perhaps the first time it has spoken about its most advanced strategic weapon in an international event. The Russian offer of Su-75 might appear attractive, but the platform is unlikely to be available before 2027.

Rosoboronexport, a permanent exhibitor at Aero India, is where the Russian display traditionally stands out for its scale and the range of exhibited products for the air and air defence forces.

Russia’s collective display includes the stands of Rosoboronexport, United Aircraft Corporation (a unit of Rostec), and Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation.

Rosoboronexport is exhibiting about 200 advanced Russian-made samples of armaments and military hardware, including the advanced Su-57E fifth-generation multifunctional fighter, the Checkmate light tactical aircraft, the IL-76MD-90A (E) military transport aircraft, the IL-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, the Su-35 and the Su-30SME super-manoeuvrable fighters, and the MiG-35D multifunctional frontline fighter.

Also present is the Ka-226T light utility helicopter, the production of which is suggested to be launched as a ‘Make in India’ initiative in the premises of Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited, a joint venture with the participation of Russian and Indian industrial companies.

In addition, a wide range of various Russian military helicopters will be demonstrated at Aero India 2023. Among them are the upgraded versions of the Ka-52E and Mi-28NE attack helicopters and the Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters, which are in heavy demand in the world market, including in the Asia-Pacific region.

Visitors to the Rosoboronexport display are invited to see Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Orion-E reconnaissance/strike UAV, the Orlan-10E reconnaissance UAV and the Orlan-30, a new product launched in 2022.

In the air defence segment, Rosoboronexport is showcasing the entire range of assets that can operate both independently and as part of an echeloned air defence system. Russia’s collective display exhibits the S-350E Vityaz air defence missile system, the Viking, Tor-M2KM, Tor-M2E SAM systems, and the Pantsir-S1 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun/missile (SPAAGM) system.

Additionally, the company will offer the Igla-S and Verba man-portable air defence systems. Russian-made anti-drone systems, including Repellent, RLK-MCE, RB-504P-E and RB-504A-E, will also be on display.

While India’s refusal to rally behind the NATO-led alliance or with Russia has been understood and appreciated by the Russians, the same has caused a significant level of discomfort in some camps in the United States and the United Kingdom who see this “neutrality” as a snub to western hegemony.

With $13 billion imports in the last five years, India remains the largest buyer of Russian arms, despite sanctions imposed by the west against Russia and global appeals to India to stop trading with Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war, India has continued with its exports from Russia.

In fact, it has reportedly placed a requisition for another $10 billion worth of arms and military equipment with Russia. India’s procurement accounts for 20 per cent of Russia’s defence exports.

For decades, Russia has been India’s largest military equipment supplier and is the fourth-largest market for Indian pharmaceutical products. However, with increased purchases of Russian oil and increased shipments of coal and fertilizer, India is looking for ways to rebalance trade.

According to a government source, India hopes to increase its exports to around $10 billion in the coming months in tune with requests made by Russia.