The defence relationship between India and Russia has historically been one of the most significant bilateral military partnerships globally. From the 1950s, when the Soviet Union first began supplying military equipment to India, through to the present day, this relationship has undergone numerous transformations. Over the decades, India has transitioned from being heavily reliant on Russian military hardware to diversifying its sources and focusing on indigenous defence production. This write-up delves into the key phases of India-Russia defense cooperation, the reasons behind the recent decline in Russia’s share of India’s defense imports, and the implications for both nations.
