Russia is significantly deepening its defence cooperation with India, forging partnerships with both private and state-run manufacturers. Key Indian entities involved include Adani Defence & Aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). These collaborations encompass several contracts and advanced procurement initiatives, focusing on technology transfer, local manufacturing, and co-production, aligning with India's strategic push for defence modernization and indigenous production.
Adani Defence's Growing Role
Adani Defence & Aerospace, already a partner with Israeli drone and small-arms manufacturers, is now broadening its reach into air defence through new alliances with Russian companies. The company has secured at least six contracts over the past two years for the supply of Igla-S man-portable air defence missiles to India's three armed forces. These agreements were executed under the military's emergency procurement provisions, which facilitate rapid acquisition of critical weaponry, each capped at ₹300 crore.
All six contracts involve the same Igla-S missile system, with Adani collaborating technically with the Russian firm SpecTech LLC. Furthermore, Adani Defence is reportedly in the final stages of an ₹1,800 crore contract for the more advanced 9K333 Verba shoulder-fired missile. This procurement is being processed as a single-vendor deal, exempting it from competitive bidding, with manufacturing expected to occur in India to meet substantial upcoming requirements from the armed forces.
Adani is also in discussions with Russian manufacturers for potential co-production of advanced air defence systems, including the Pantsir. The company recently signed a long-term ammunition supply agreement with Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd and is actively manufacturing components for AK-203 rifles.
HAL and BDL Advance Russian Cooperation
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is working closely with Russian partners on the comprehensive upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter fleet. While HAL will undertake the majority of the work, Russian companies are slated to provide essential technical consultancy and expertise.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), on the other hand, is engaged in a contract to manufacture long-range air-to-air missiles for both the Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fleets. This programme is notable for involving significant technology transfer and represents a rare instance of a Russian-origin air-to-air missile being produced domestically in India.
Challenges and Unresolved Proposals
Despite these expanding partnerships, some major Russian defence proposals have encountered hurdles in India. A prominent example is the proposed sale and co-production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which has failed to garner sufficient interest from the IAF. The Indian Air Force continues to prioritize Rafale jets and the indigenous Advanced Multi Role Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Another unresolved proposal involves Russia's offer of three refurbished EKM-class diesel-electric submarines. This proposition has yet to find a buyer, partly due to concerns regarding Moscow’s ability to deliver amidst the strains on its defence industry caused by the Ukraine war. The Indian Navy is also still awaiting a Chakra-class nuclear attack submarine under a 2019 agreement, originally scheduled for delivery in 2025.