New Delhi: Rajnath Singh, India’s defence minister, is currently in Russia to discuss important matters as India continues to rebalance its defence partnerships. Despite ongoing efforts to diversify, much of India’s military equipment still relies on Russian and Soviet-era systems.
In fact, much of the equipment that India would use in the event of a war today dates back to the Soviet era, with key purchases made during Rajiv Gandhi’s time in 1986-87, when India’s defence budget exceeded 4 percent of the GDP. A significant portion of India’s current defence needs is tied to legacy equipment, including spare parts, ammunition, and critical supplies. There are also pending deliveries, like that of the Navy’s stealth frigate (INS Tushil), which has faced delays. One more frigate is expected by the first quarter of next year. The defence minister’s trip is largely about addressing these ongoing issues with Russia.
While India remains heavily dependent on Russian and Soviet-era equipment, including for nuclear submarines and aircraft engines, it is also diversifying its defence partnerships. India imports systems from countries like France, Israel, and the US, but challenges remain, particularly with technology transfers (TOT). While India aims to reduce dependency by focusing on indigenous production and co-development, it still faces hurdles in gaining full technology transfers, as many countries are reluctant to share intellectual property.
India’s defence procurement is facing several challenges, particularly regarding delayed systems and complex relationships with suppliers. Two major issues include delays in the delivery of the S-400 missile defence system and the leasing of a nuclear-powered submarine, the Chakra-3.
While India has received three of five S-400 regiments, the remaining two are expected only by 2026. Similarly, the Chakra-3 submarine, originally expected in 2024, may now arrive around 2030. The Chakra-3 is critical for India’s submarine training and capability development.
Another ongoing challenge is the lack of significant investment in India’s defence industrial corridors by international partners, despite efforts to create such hubs. India’s domestic players in the defence industry, including companies like Adani, are stepping in, but foreign investment remains limited.
In Episode 1570 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint’s Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta discusses with Snehesh Alex Philip & Swasti Rao India’s multi-alignment defence strategy, balancing act with Russia & need for reforms in the domestic defence industry.
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