Since India’s independence, the country faced formidable challenges in establishing a modern military, with limited weapons and outdated infrastructure. While several global powers were hesitant to provide support due to India’s non-aligned stance, the Soviet Union emerged as the only major nation willing to assist India, establishing the foundation for a long-standing strategic partnership.
The Indo-Soviet friendship began in the 1960s, during the Cold War, when the USSR recognized India’s geopolitical importance. After the 1962 war with China, the Soviet Union extended critical support by supplying MiG‑21 fighter jets and other advanced military technology, enabling India to build a strong, self-reliant defence capability. During the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the Bangladesh Liberation conflict, the Soviet Union deployed its naval forces in support of India, countering U.S. naval presence in the Bay of Bengal. This decisive action not only secured India’s strategic position but also cemented a deep bond of trust between the two nations.
Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia continued to uphold this legacy, providing spare parts, advanced military systems, and co-developing key projects. Notable collaborations include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile programme, the acquisition and modernization of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and the supply of T‑90 Bhishma tanks. The S‑400 Triumf air-defence system, capable of neutralizing aerial threats at ranges of up to 400 km, remains a cornerstone of India’s aerial defence. Russia has also leased nuclear-powered submarines and supplied critical avionics, artillery, and electronic warfare systems, demonstrating a willingness to share highly sensitive technology.
India has reciprocated by maintaining close defence and strategic engagement, even amid global geopolitical pressures. During Russia’s 2022 military action in Ukraine, despite Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure, India continued to procure Russian crude oil, increasing imports to become Russia’s largest oil buyer by October 2025. Defence trade between India and Russia today ranges between $2–3 billion annually (Rs 16,000–24,000 crore), accounting for 60–70% of India’s military hardware, including Sukhoi‑30MKI fighter jets, MiG‑29 aircraft, T‑72 and T‑90 tanks, INS Vikramaditya, and S‑400 systems.
The partnership is further reinforced by strong personal ties between leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who first established rapport with President Vladimir Putin during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, continues to maintain close diplomatic and strategic engagement. A notable gesture during Putin’s visit to India included traveling in a regular vehicle alongside Modi instead of his high-security convoy, symbolizing mutual trust. Beyond arms trade, the collaboration spans joint military exercises, defence research, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing, ensuring India’s preparedness against regional and global security threats.
As India continues to modernize its military and diversify its strategic partnerships, the Russia-India defence relationship remains a critical pillar, combining historical trust, advanced technology cooperation, and shared strategic interests that have endured for over seven decades