The sentiment surrounding India's shift from Russian to Western defense procurement is predominantly negative. Many express strong skepticism and distrust towards the United States, citing historical ties with Russia and perceiving the US as unreliable due to its military support for Pakistan. There is a strong preference for maintaining and strengthening defense relations with Russia, emphasizing the benefits of acquiring Russian technology like the SU-57 fighter jets. Moreover, there is an underlying sense of national pride and determination to act in India's best interest, with some voices cautious about the implications of shifting alliances on India's sovereignty.

India

Russia

United States

India is also massively reliant on Russian fertiliser too.

ammobandanna

About the IISS

&gt; The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a British research institute (or think tank) in the area of international affairs. Since 1997 its headquarters have been Arundel House in London, England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_for_Strategic_Studies

About the authors:

&gt; Douglas is Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace responsible for ensuring the quality of the Institute’s military aerospace analysis and the information on air-power capabilities presented in The Military Balance, the IISS flagship publication. He contributes to other IISS publications, databases and conference activities, as well as taking a prominent role in the work of other research programmes and strengthening the Institute’s networks among defence ministries, air forces and defence industries.

&gt; Viraj Solanki is a Research Associate in the South Asia programme, where he carries out policy-relevant research assignments, coordinates speaker and workshop engagements, as well as supporting the programme in implementing ongoing projects.

It is incredible to me that a country with an economy as large as India's still imports so much of its defense equipment. There have been a few attempts to diversify the sources, notably the Rafale purchases. But overall India is still deeply beholden to foreign defense companies. 

When Indonesia recently made its big Rafale and F-15 purchase it seemed almost bizarrely deliberate in its obviousness to have two different sources of fighters. Recent events have shown these ideas to be wise however as India finds itself in a jam.

MarshalWillKane

The level of talk in this sub also sunk heavily unfortunately this is just geopolitics 2.0 at this point

Raytheonx1

[deleted]

It is all well and good to think India is a bad guy for buying Russian arms, but why is anyone expecting Russia to have arms to spare with all the sanctions and losses they are taking.

If Russia has already had to halt tank production because they lack parts that they import i can not imagine they will be able to supply India with much of anything (militarily).

RogueAOV

A possible solution: India sells it's Russian-made equipment to the west who passes it on to Ukraine. India is resupplied with western equipment, or license to make it itself. 

The west wins because India is less aligned towards Russia. India wins because they get better equipment and more ability to manufacture it. Ukraine wins because they get much-needed supplies. Everyone's a winner (except Putin).

PontifexMini

Can someone explain to me why India isn't more directly in the western sphere of influence? They're technically a liberal democracy, they're a growing capitalist economy, they have major  geopolitical rivals that are opposed to the west and, as far as I'm aware, they have no major political agendas that clash with the west, why aren't they best buds with the English speaking world, Europe and the other liberal democracies?

Subtleiaint

Is there any real credibility in Russia using a tactical nuke as a warning shot or is that just media drama?

NewHum

They should probably consider acquiring more French equipment at this point (Rafales/Rafale-M/Barracudas) given the less than stellar performance of Russian equipment so far in the Ukraine campaign, ToT may be an issue though with France.

AranciataExcess

It's ironic that my country supports Russia when they betrayed us during the indo china war.

indicisivedivide

Isn’t India notorious or not wanting to pay its bills or for doing upkeep and maintenance? I thought several western manufacturers banned Indian bids.

gubodif

Accurate_Code_3419

TL;DR - India’s intensifying embrace of Russia, as outlined by *The Economist*, is a high-stakes pact with a partner that offers both lifelines and liabilities. Like a moth drawn to a flickering flame, India has struck $17 billion in deals—a $13 billion oil supply pact with Rosneft and a $4 billion radar system purchase—securing energy and defense assets while risking entanglement in Russia’s shadow. This move reflects India’s “multi-aligned” dance, leveraging Moscow’s weapons and oil to offset China’s rise and Western ambivalence. Yet, the partnership teeters on a knife’s edge: tightened U.S. sanctions, faltering Russian arms reliability, and the looming specter of Vladimir Putin’s visit risk tarnishing India’s neutralist posture. As New Delhi navigates this perilous terrain, it must reckon with the fragility of tethering its ambitions to a waning power beset by economic decay and geopolitical unpredictability—a Faustian bargain whose cost may outlast its immediate gains.

telephonecompany

India need to look beyond Russia in long term. Russia has lagged behind in military technology. Ukraine war has demonstrated that despite manifold numerical superiority, Russia is struggling to occupy more than 20 percent of Ukraine. India’s main enemy is China which has leapfrogged in terms of technology.

nuvo_reddit

idk man. last I checked it's not Russia that supplied weapons-grade Plutonium to Pakistan. It is not Russia that sent a carrier group to support Pakistan during the war for Bangladesh. It is not Russia that refused GPS data access to India during Kargil.

StayingUp4AFeeling

what an effing elitist title. I had to google to understand the self-proclaimed moral high horse economist is sitting on!!

its only "Faustian" for those who don't like black and brown people to pursue their agenda. For others its just a regular pact.

vitara_brezza

Indias most important export is its own children.   What does that tell you about india?

gokayaking1982

The amount of d**kriding that OP is doing for Americans would put washington "analyst" to shame. India and Russia partnership is no more Faustian than Saudi-USA, Qatar-USA or even Pakistan-USA. 

It makes perfect diplomatic sense to deepen ties with the only UNSC member which has backed India consistently by essentially let us use it's veto and shared tech which let India hasten development of it's SSBNs (not the type of tech you can buy) and never stopped nuclear fuel supplies post our nuclear test.

Russia and India are in similar positions Geopolitically, both are 2nd rate independent powers who don't want to avoid becoming true vassals like the other 2nd rate powers, both are just too big to fit into that role. They shall remain close partners for decades to come.

golden_sword_22

I understand anyone who dislikes the US, but when you look deep into these countries you will see that China and especially Russia are inherently worse. Russia is literally tied to the most ruthless dictators on earth including North Korea, Syria (used to), Libya, Iran and many more. Even if you dislike the US for the republicans they still have a huge democratic part of their society which gives people education, freedom and a future. In Russia you get a trench, a gulag or propaganda. There might not be a right side of history, but on that spectrum Russia is definitely worse.

Morgentau7

# India’s Faustian pact with Russia is strengthening

# The gamble behind $17bn of fresh deals with the Kremlin on oil and arms

Jan 13th 2025  
  
India’s Faustian pact with Russia is strengthening

# The gamble behind $17bn of fresh deals with the Kremlin on oil and arms

  
EVER SINCE the start of the war in Ukraine, the West has tried to persuade India to distance itself from [Russia](https://archive.is/o/R2Lr6/https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/01/12/russia-is-being-set-aflame-by-hundreds-of-arson-attacks). India has consistently rebuffed the entreaties. Its officials have pointed out—in often testy exchanges—that the Kremlin has been a stalwart friend for decades. Russia also accounts for about 65% of India’s arms imports over the past 20-odd years. Besides, they argued, India needs to nurture the relationship to offset warming ties between Russia and China, India’s chief rival.

Western officials and observers concluded that this dynamic would change over time as India became increasingly reliant on America and its allies for commercial and military partnerships. Their governments decided to strengthen economic ties and provide more advanced defence technology rather than hectoring India. Thus followed deals such as one with America in 2023 to jointly manufacture fighter-jet engines in India.

India, however, sees its future with Russia in starkly different terms, as recent developments make amply clear. First came news that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, would visit India in early 2025. A few days later, on December 8th, India’s defence minister, Rajnath Singh, arrived in Moscow to discuss new defence deals, including the purchase of a $4bn radar system. That was followed by the two countries’ biggest-ever energy agreement, worth roughly $13bn annually. Rosneft, Russia’s state oil company, is to supply some 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Reliance, a private Indian refiner, for the next ten years.

India has for the past few years cheerfully bought Russian oil for less than the $60-per-barrel price cap imposed by Western sanctions, becoming in the process the world’s second-biggest buyer of the stuff after China. In 2021 just 2% of [India’s oil imports](https://archive.is/o/R2Lr6/https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/04/11/how-indias-imports-of-russian-oil-have-lubricated-global-markets) came from Russia (see chart 1). Between April 2024 and October 2024 that figure soared to nearly 40%. Indian officials estimate that the discounts yielded savings of $25bn in the year to March 2024.

So devil-worshippers made a Faustian pact with the devil.   
Why should non-devil worshippers be concerned??

Difficult_Abies8802

India has been groomed by the USSR via a huge KGB presence and malfeasance with national politics, spying and misinformation for decades. One long lasting effect is the mistrust of Sikhs and Muslims culminating in the attack on the Golden Temple in 1984.

babiha

India is so much more than this. If anything, it should be the reverse.

ONE_deedat

The article is locked behind a paywall, so I didn't really read it completely.

As Moscow gets isolated diplomatically and economically by the US and Europe, it will be forced to strengthen ties with Beijing. It is in the interest of both Moscow and New Delhi to maintain good ties with each other. For Moscow, maintaining good ties with other non-aligned countries means that it can show Beijing it is not completely isolated diplomatically. That it still maintains a level of political and economic influence outside of its relationship with Beijing. Otherwise Beijing would gain the ability to dictate terms over Moscow; this might already be happening to some extent. 

For New Delhi, it becomes more important than ever to maintain (even strengthen) ties with Moscow as it needs Moscow to (at a minimum) remain neutral in case of a Sino-Indian conflict. A strong Moscow vis-a-vis Beijing is very much preferred. New Delhi's nightmare would be an aggressive China, backed by Moscow (resources, information warfare, and diplomatic support), invading Indian territory. Islamabad/Pakistan would face diplomatic pressure from Beijing to help by making it a two-front war. A two-front war would already be a difficult scenario even if Moscow maintained neutrality, nevermind if they backed Beijing.

Faustian pact? It's pure geopolitics. Who exactly are the good guys after all? This answer probably depends on where you live. From the Indian perspective, the Brits might hardly look like the good guys after they plundered and committed genocides across the subcontinent not too long ago. Although Britain is a shadow of its former self, there is going to be a certain trust deficit especially since they're now helplessly subservient to American foreign policy. The Americans are the "good guys" to someone like me, sitting in Canada (not even sure about that anymore...Thanks Trump), but not to someone from a region impacted by American war machines. The Americans also have a long history of supporting Pakistan in the past - that includes arming the Pakistani military to the teeth and famously dispatching their 7th Aircraft Carrier Fleet to the Bay of Bengal to intimidate the Indians in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. Even as the US-India relationship is quickly improving nowadays, there is a sense that it's progressing apprehensively. At the end of the day, the reality is that there are no morals in geopolitics - only national interests. Frankly speaking, the Indians are well positioned to take advantage of a multi-polar world, as long as they continue to find ways to walk the tightrope of non-alignment.

Marco1603

With a post-Hasina Bangladesh turning hostile, India can't risk a China-Russia-Pakistan-Bangladesh de facto alliance to squeeze India with unreliable Western backing. Unless the US/West threatens something even worse than that which would surely kill India's economy and destroy India-West relations, then India's relations with Russia will continue.

Also, Northeast India is in a greater threat than ever with a hostile Bangladesh in the West and chaotic Myanmar in the East all while Christian missionaries enter the area to sow discord too. India's main aim before anything else has been to safeguard its territorial integrity looking at history. This is unchanged (also ties in to the grievances over Khalistanism promotion in North America).

Still_There3603

The "West" itself is fractured in their stance on Russia. Trump's clear win shows that a significant part of America does not care about Russia's actions in Ukraine. There are right wing parties rising in Europe that clearly support Russia. You may call it Russian influence/interference, but that does not change the fact that there's a significantly growing section of western society that is pro Russia or is at most neutral to Russia. 

This is directed to those who keep moaning about India's neutral stance, how can anybody expect India to break ties with Russia when the west itself is not ready to do it properly? You expect India to break relations with Russia and then tomorrow you will elect a government whose leader loves Putin.

BIG_DICK_MYSTIQUE

I don't understand on what basis is economist alleging that Modi's hug with Putin was a PR disaster. It went down extremely well with the audience that Modi targets his PR at.

It also gave heart burns in all the right esophagi that Modi intended to, as a part of the ongoing geopolitical tussles.

IntermittentOutage

SS: India’s intensifying embrace of Russia, as outlined by *The Economist*, is a high-stakes pact with a partner that offers both lifelines and liabilities. Like a moth drawn to a flickering flame, India has struck $17 billion in deals—a $13 billion oil supply pact with Rosneft and a $4 billion radar system purchase—securing energy and defense assets while risking entanglement in Russia’s shadow. This move reflects India’s “multi-aligned” dance, leveraging Moscow’s weapons and oil to offset China’s rise and Western ambivalence. Yet, the partnership teeters on a knife’s edge: tightened U.S. sanctions, faltering Russian arms reliability, and the looming specter of Vladimir Putin’s visit risk tarnishing India’s neutralist posture. As New Delhi navigates this perilous terrain, it must reckon with the fragility of tethering its ambitions to a waning power beset by economic decay and geopolitical unpredictability—a Faustian bargain whose cost may outlast its immediate gains.

The 1.2 million army size is ridiculous, and probably a huge drain on resources in terms of equipment needed to give it the means to fight, the salaries, and also the pensions.

India probably needs to trim it down to 300K, train and equip them better, and throw the rest on a better air force and navy.

A1700AW



🔗 **Bypass paywalls**:

* [youtu.be](https://archive.is/submit/?submitid=&amp;url=https://youtu.be/M65nfYfPOiQ?si=EJk1FGviBmChmEWI)

📣 **[Submission Statement by OP](/r/GeopoliticsIndia/comments/1klcznw/discussion_indias_rising_arms_exports_taiwan_talks/ms1d0c9/)**:
&gt; SS: ### Summary
&gt;
&gt;India is making significant strides in increasing its defense exports, driven by a strategic shift to offer cheaper arms to various countries around the globe. Following its recent engagements, India is reportedly providing loans at lower interest rates to nations interested in purchasing its military equipment, which ranges from missiles to battleships. This shift is emblematic of India’s growing role in the global arms market, a position that poses challenges to Russia's historical dominance in arms trade, especially following its invasion of Ukraine.
&gt;
&gt;Over the last five years, India has tripled its defense exports, driven by both a burgeoning domestic industry and government policy adjustments that now embrace arms sales, contrary to its past ideological stance of non-violence. The expansion is marked by the introduction of a new cadre of defense attaches to promote its military technology abroad. For instance, the Philippines has recently purchased the BrahMos missile system, representing a significant milestone in India's defense sales to foreign nations. 
&gt;
&gt;Experts suggest that India’s low-cost yet reliable weapon systems are appealing to countries that cannot afford the more advanced weaponry typically offered by Western nations. Additionally, India has set ambitious targets to double its arms exports by 2029, aiming to achieve a remarkable increase that builds on its previous successes. Geopolitically, India seeks to establish itself as a key security provider in its region, directly competing with nations like China, which also has a substantial arms export portfolio. 
&gt;
&gt;India's long-standing non-alignment policy has traditionally positioned it favorably as a neutral partner, making it appealing to countries looking to avoid choosing sides in defense partnerships. However, even amidst a changing global landscape post-Ukraine invasion, India maintains stable relations with Russia, reflecting a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy.
&gt;
&gt;### Highlights
&gt;
&gt;- 🇮🇳 India plans to offer cheaper loans to countries interested in purchasing arms, including missiles and ships.
&gt;
&gt;- 📈 Indian defense exports have tripled in the past five years, with ambitions to double exports by 2029.
&gt;
&gt;- 💰 The introduction of lower interest loans makes Indian arms more attractive for countries with budget constraints.
&gt;
&gt;- 🔄 Shift from India's historical non-violence stance to a more proactive arms selling approach.
&gt;
&gt;- 📊 The Philippines' purchase of the BrahMos missile system emphasizes India’s growing global arms presence.
&gt;
&gt;- ✈️ India is expanding its defense outreach through increased diplomatic and military cooperation.
&gt;
&gt;- 🌍 India's non-alignment policy positions it as a neutral security partner in a geopolitical landscape affected by tensions between superpowers.
&gt;
&gt;### Key Insights
&gt;
&gt;- 💡 **India’s Arms Trade Shift**: India’s transition from a largely non-violent ideology to a proactive arms seller underscores its strategic response to changing global dynamics. The decision to engage in arms trading helps position India within international markets, leveraging homegrown technology to meet the demands of smaller nations that face economic constraints when purchasing advanced weaponry.
&gt;
&gt;- 🛡️ **Competitive Market Positioning**: India’s defense systems, known for being more cost-effective compared to Western alternatives while still being reliable, create a unique niche. This positioning allows India to attract various markets, particularly those in Africa and the Middle East, which do not need the high-end capabilities that US manufacturers provide.
&gt;
&gt;- 📅 **Long-term Export Goals**: The target to double arms exports by 2029 seems ambitious yet achievable, especially given India’s successful track record of tripling its defense exports in the past five years. Ongoing investments in domestic defense manufacturing coupled with strategic partnerships will be crucial to meeting this goal.
&gt;
&gt;- 🇨🇳 **Strategic Rivalry with China**: By increasing arms sales, India aims to establish itself as a counterbalance to China's own arms offerings. While India may not compete with China in infrastructure development, it is constructing a competitive defense industry, where it has the potential to outpace its rivals.
&gt;
&gt;- 🤝 **Importance of Diplomatic Relationships**: India’s establishment of strategic partnerships with various nations exhibits its efforts to enhance security collaboration. Many countries view India favorably due to its longstanding non-aligned stance, leading to lucrative arms deals while eschewing political pressure from major global powers.
&gt;
&gt;- 👩‍🎓 **Peacekeeping Legacy**: India’s extensive experience with peacekeeping missions worldwide gives it a unique advantage in selling arms and defense solutions. This experience can boost its credibility as a supplier and security partner, especially in regions plagued by instability.
&gt;
&gt;- 🕊️ **Maintaining Ties with Russia**: Despite pursuing a more active arms export strategy, India has successfully maintained stable relations with Russia, even after the latter's actions in Ukraine. By balancing these relationships, India continues to preserve its geopolitical interests and access valuable military technology that can enhance its production capabilities.
&gt;
&gt;By harnessing its historical ties, growing domestic industry, and shifting geopolitical landscape, India is poised to become a significant player in the global arms market while fulfilling its long-term defense production goals and expanding its influence both regionally and internationally. 

**📜 Community Reminder**: Let’s keep our discussions civil, respectful, and on-topic. Abide by the subreddit rules. Rule-violating comments will be removed.

❓ Questions or concerns? [Contact our moderators](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/GeopoliticsIndia).

GeoIndModBot

SS: ### Summary

India is making significant strides in increasing its defense exports, driven by a strategic shift to offer cheaper arms to various countries around the globe. Following its recent engagements, India is reportedly providing loans at lower interest rates to nations interested in purchasing its military equipment, which ranges from missiles to battleships. This shift is emblematic of India’s growing role in the global arms market, a position that poses challenges to Russia's historical dominance in arms trade, especially following its invasion of Ukraine.

Over the last five years, India has tripled its defense exports, driven by both a burgeoning domestic industry and government policy adjustments that now embrace arms sales, contrary to its past ideological stance of non-violence. The expansion is marked by the introduction of a new cadre of defense attaches to promote its military technology abroad. For instance, the Philippines has recently purchased the BrahMos missile system, representing a significant milestone in India's defense sales to foreign nations. 

Experts suggest that India’s low-cost yet reliable weapon systems are appealing to countries that cannot afford the more advanced weaponry typically offered by Western nations. Additionally, India has set ambitious targets to double its arms exports by 2029, aiming to achieve a remarkable increase that builds on its previous successes. Geopolitically, India seeks to establish itself as a key security provider in its region, directly competing with nations like China, which also has a substantial arms export portfolio. 

India's long-standing non-alignment policy has traditionally positioned it favorably as a neutral partner, making it appealing to countries looking to avoid choosing sides in defense partnerships. However, even amidst a changing global landscape post-Ukraine invasion, India maintains stable relations with Russia, reflecting a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy.

### Highlights
- 🇮🇳 India plans to offer cheaper loans to countries interested in purchasing arms, including missiles and ships.
- 📈 Indian defense exports have tripled in the past five years, with ambitions to double exports by 2029.
- 💰 The introduction of lower interest loans makes Indian arms more attractive for countries with budget constraints.
- 🔄 Shift from India's historical non-violence stance to a more proactive arms selling approach.
- 📊 The Philippines' purchase of the BrahMos missile system emphasizes India’s growing global arms presence.
- ✈️ India is expanding its defense outreach through increased diplomatic and military cooperation.
- 🌍 India's non-alignment policy positions it as a neutral security partner in a geopolitical landscape affected by tensions between superpowers.

### Key Insights
- 💡 **India’s Arms Trade Shift**: India’s transition from a largely non-violent ideology to a proactive arms seller underscores its strategic response to changing global dynamics. The decision to engage in arms trading helps position India within international markets, leveraging homegrown technology to meet the demands of smaller nations that face economic constraints when purchasing advanced weaponry.

- 🛡️ **Competitive Market Positioning**: India’s defense systems, known for being more cost-effective compared to Western alternatives while still being reliable, create a unique niche. This positioning allows India to attract various markets, particularly those in Africa and the Middle East, which do not need the high-end capabilities that US manufacturers provide.

- 📅 **Long-term Export Goals**: The target to double arms exports by 2029 seems ambitious yet achievable, especially given India’s successful track record of tripling its defense exports in the past five years. Ongoing investments in domestic defense manufacturing coupled with strategic partnerships will be crucial to meeting this goal.

- 🇨🇳 **Strategic Rivalry with China**: By increasing arms sales, India aims to establish itself as a counterbalance to China's own arms offerings. While India may not compete with China in infrastructure development, it is constructing a competitive defense industry, where it has the potential to outpace its rivals.

- 🤝 **Importance of Diplomatic Relationships**: India’s establishment of strategic partnerships with various nations exhibits its efforts to enhance security collaboration. Many countries view India favorably due to its longstanding non-aligned stance, leading to lucrative arms deals while eschewing political pressure from major global powers.

- 👩‍🎓 **Peacekeeping Legacy**: India’s extensive experience with peacekeeping missions worldwide gives it a unique advantage in selling arms and defense solutions. This experience can boost its credibility as a supplier and security partner, especially in regions plagued by instability.

- 🕊️ **Maintaining Ties with Russia**: Despite pursuing a more active arms export strategy, India has successfully maintained stable relations with Russia, even after the latter's actions in Ukraine. By balancing these relationships, India continues to preserve its geopolitical interests and access valuable military technology that can enhance its production capabilities.

By harnessing its historical ties, growing domestic industry, and shifting geopolitical landscape, India is poised to become a significant player in the global arms market while fulfilling its long-term defense production goals and expanding its influence both regionally and internationally.

BROWN-MUNDA_

10 years down the line we are going to be a major player in arms market.

AIM-120-AMRAAM

Apart from weapons at an affordable price and without strings attached, Countries have more confidence in Indian defense hardware due to India's Non-alignment policies.

They have assurance that Indian would not stop crucial support regarding maintenance and hardware/spares during the regional conflict. (unlike the West)

\- Our indigenous weapons have shown the capability. Time to touch the international market.

P.S. - After the poor performance of Chinese weapons in this conflict, A new room has emerged in Africa and Asia for Indian Defense hardware.....Be quick enough to grab it.

BE_the_competition

India is transitioning from Russian arms dependence to stronger partnerships with Western countries for defense procurement.

India's Shift from Russian to Western Defense Procurement

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