The Military Balance 2021 report reveals that India’s current military artillery is predominantly filled with equipment either made or designed by Russia. The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a globally renowned think tank, issues this annual report assessing the military capabilities and defense economics of 171 countries worldwide.
Key Takeaways from the Military Balance Report
Despite experiencing a significant decline in its reliance on Russian arms and equipment, the Indian military still largely depends on Russian-supplied gear for operational effectiveness. It is expected to rely on Russian weapons systems for the foreseeable future. The report is particularly relevant amid the U.S administration’s review of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). CAATSA aims to impose sanctions on any country procuring military arms fromRussia. Moreover, India’s plan to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems could potentially invoke U.S sanctions under Section 231 of CAATSA.
India-Russia Military Relations: Indian Dependence
As reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), since 2010, nearly two-thirds (62%) of all Indian arms imports have come from Russia. India is the largest importer of Russian arms, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all Russian arms exports.
Favourable Russian Military Exports to India
Russia’s influence in India owes much to its willingness to supply weapons systems and technologies not available from other countries. The US only provides non-lethal defence technology such as C-130j Super Hercules, C-13 Globemaster, P-8i Poseidon, etc. In contrast, Russia offers high-end technology like the Brahmos supersonic missile, S-400 anti-missile system. Furthermore, Russia continues to provide advanced weapons platforms at attractive rates.
Army Cooperation
India procures around 10,000 pieces of military hardware from Russia. The primary battle tank force of the Indian Army comprises mainly of Russian T-72M1 (66%) and T-90S (30%). Discussions for pricing of AK103 rifles for ‘Make in India’ are underway.
Naval Cooperation
The Indian Navy’s sole operational aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, is a refurnished Soviet-era ship. The naval fighter fleet consists of 43 MiG-29Ks. Russian-origin ships include four of the Navy’s 10 guided-missile destroyers and six of its 17 frigates.
Air Force Cooperation
The Indian Air Force’s Fighter Ground Attack fleet of 667 planes is 71% Russian origin, including Su-30s (Sukhoi), MiG-21s, and MiG-29s. All of the service’s air tankers are Russian-made Il-78s.
Missile Cooperation
The country’s only nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is the result of a joint venture with Russia. Additionally, the S-400 Air Defence Missile Systems is expected to be delivered by 2021.
Military Exercises
India and Russia have been conducting the INDRA series of military exercises since 2003, with the first joint Tri-Services Exercise held in 2017.
The Way Ahead
Russia’s growing closeness with China and Pakistan raises concerns for India. However, this relationship seems to be more tactical, induced by western sanctions, while the Russia-India partnership carries strategic weight. This is due to Russia’s perception of India as a balancing force against increasing Chinese assertiveness. India has the potential to expand its procurement portfolio while maintaining close ties with Russia for strategic programs and joint development of weapon systems. Consequently, separating India’s choice of arms suppliers from its strategically established relationship with the U.S appears to be the next step forward.