Known for recent headlines, Ukraine has revealed its intention to procure certain military equipment from India. This is in addition to their endeavors to expand their footprint in the Indian defence market. Corresponding with India’s ongoing defence sector reforms and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, this move aims at bolstering India’s self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
Key Elements of the Potential Partnership
Underlining their intent, Ukraine signed four agreements with a total value of $70 million. These contracts include the procurement of new arms, as well as the service, maintenance, and upgradation of existing equipment such as the R-27 air-to-air missiles currently used by the Indian armed forces. Moreover, Ukraine has expressed interest in selling the AN-178 medium transport aircraft to India.
In the past, under a deal inked in 2009, Ukraine has been actively engaged in upgrading the AN-32 transport fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Ukrainian team also held talks with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to explore potential collaborations in research and development.
India-Ukraine Relationship: A Brief History
Post the dissolution of the Soviet Union, India officially recognized the Republic of Ukraine as an independent sovereign nation in December 1991. Since then, the two nations have enjoyed warm relations and have collaborated across several domains including Education, Mutual Legal Assistance, and Outer Space cooperation.
Defence Ties: Steadily Rising and Resilient
Since its independence, Ukraine has been a prominent supplier of military technology and equipment for India. Notably, Ukraine produces the R-27 air-to-air missiles utilized by the IAF on its SU-30MKI fighters. More recently, India has started providing its own weaponry to Ukraine, thus further strengthening the defence cooperation between the two countries.
Trade Relations: A Supportive Framework
India stands as Ukraine’s leading export destination in the Asia-Pacific region and the fifth largest global export market. Pharmaceuticals represent the majority of Indian exports to Ukraine, reflecting the influence of India in the Ukrainian market.
Cultural Exchange: A Rich Tapestry
Indian cultural influences are evident in Ukraine with over 30 Ukrainian cultural organizations engaging in promoting traditional Indian dances. Approximately 18,000 Indian students are pursuing their education, specifically in medicine, in Ukraine. Fields like pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, and education are the preferred domains for Indian business professionals working in Ukraine.
Challenges and Uncertainties
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly after Moscow’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, poses a potential dilemma for India. Furthermore, Russia’s recent objections to Ukraine’s overhaul of Russian-provided military equipment and its disapproval of buyers dealing with Ukraine introduces new complexities. These conflicts could pose challenges due to IAF’s ongoing collaboration with Ukraine on the overhaul of its AN-32 aircraft fleet.
Ukraine: An Overview
Ukraine is an Eastern European nation with its capital, Kyiv, located on the Dnieper River in north-central Ukraine. It shares its borders with Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland. Furthermore, it is adjacent to the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. Following the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. (the Soviet Union) in December 1991, Ukraine attained full independence and subsequently changed its official name. The country also contributed to the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a conglomerate of countries previously republics of the Soviet Union.
Recent Trends: Frictions and Alignments
Ukraine recently clashed with Russia over the latter’s occupation of Crimea. In June 2020, Ukraine joined the Partnership Interoperability Initiative of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as ‘Enhanced Opportunity Partners’. It also seeks membership of the European Union and NATO, a move that may complicate attempts to resolve other tensions with Russia.