Indian Defence Executives Meet in Russia for Potential Arms Collaborations Post-Ukraine Invasion

Top executives from Indian arms makers, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, held rare meetings in Russia to discuss potential joint ventures. The discussions focused on joint development of weapons, despite potential risks to India's plans to collaborate on Western arms technology.

In an unprecedented move, several high-ranking executives from leading Indian arms manufacturers, such as Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, attended meetings in Russia earlier this year to explore potential joint ventures, as confirmed by sources close to the matter. This marked the first visit by India's defence business leaders to Russia since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and had not been previously disclosed.

During the meetings, discussions revolved around the manufacturing of spares for Russian-origin military equipment, including the Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets. There was also a Russian proposal to set up production units in India for equipment development, potentially for export back to Russia. However, spokespersons from Adani Group and Bharat Forge have denied any involvement of their company executives in these meetings.

While these talks indicate a move towards reinforcing Indo-Russian defence ties, it raises concerns about the risk of countermanding India's strategy to align with Western arms technology as part of Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. Furthermore, apprehensions regarding secondary sanctions loom large as India continues diplomatic efforts to insulate itself from the geopolitical fallout of its defence ties with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)