Modi's Moscow Venture: Unraveling the Intricacies of India-Russia Arms Talks

Tuesday 09 July 2024 - 16:45

As the world watches with bated breath, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his first visit to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, with defense and weapons deals taking center stage in the high-stakes discussions. This pivotal trip serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted ties between India and Russia, particularly in the realm of defense and armaments, which span decades and remain unwavering.

While the specifics of any potential new arms deals have yet to be unveiled, it is widely understood that Russia's pressing need for weapons and ammunition to sustain its war efforts in Ukraine is a driving force behind these talks. Modi finds himself in a unique position, able to offer substantial industrial support from India to Russia in exchange for energy and military technology. This support, while practical, is expected to stop short of India publicly endorsing Russia's war effort.

The historic bonds between India and Russia in the defense sector cannot be overstated. For over a decade, India has focused on bolstering its own military-industrial complex, prioritizing "Made in India" initiatives and seeking technology transfers from international defense contractors. However, the nation's armed forces remain heavily reliant on Russian-made armored divisions, with a staggering 97 percent of its 3,740 tanks being of Russian origin.

Despite efforts to diversify its defense purchases and reduce its dependence on Russian arms, it is primarily Russian companies that are propelling the rapid maturation of India's defense industries. Just a day before Modi's departure for Moscow, Russia's state export company, Rostec, signed an agreement to manufacture advanced armor-piercing "Mango" tank shells in India for the T-90 tank.

The cooperation between India and Russia extends far beyond this latest agreement. The BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile, a joint endeavor between Indian and Russian engineers, stands as a testament to their collaborative prowess. Designed specifically for the Indian armed forces and first tested in 2001, the BrahMos missile is a formidable weapon capable of delivering a 300kg warhead at three times the speed of sound with pinpoint accuracy.

Other collaborative efforts include joint ventures for the licensed production of advanced T-90 tanks, Sukhoi Su-30-MKI fourth-generation fighter jets, and maintenance facilities for India's MiG-29 fighter jets. Additionally, the two nations work together on manufacturing the Konkurs anti-tank guided missile and the licensed production of 35,000 Kalashnikov AK203 assault rifles for the Indian army.

Beyond the realm of armaments, Modi and Putin are expected to discuss a range of critical issues, including the supply of cheap Russian oil, which has been a mainstay of India's economy for over a year, and the potential for India to acquire Russian floating and maritime nuclear reactors for remote areas and naval vessels.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Russia finds itself in dire need of replenishing its stockpiles of artillery and tank ammunition. Conservatively firing an estimated 8,000 rounds per day, at an average cost of $4,000 each, Russia's expenditure on ammunition alone amounts to a staggering $32 million daily. In its quest to break the deadlock on Ukraine's battlefields, Moscow has turned to nations like North Korea, Vietnam, and now India, seeking their industrial support to outproduce and overwhelm Ukraine's defenses.

Modi's visit to Moscow represents a pivotal moment in the long-standing partnership between India and Russia, one that transcends the realms of defense and weapons. As the world watches with anticipation, the outcomes of these discussions could profoundly impact the trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine and reshape the global balance of power for years to come.