MMRCA 2.0 में CheckMate, Indian Deal में US को Counter करने के लिये Russia तैयार

Following a wave of sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries in response to its invasion of Ukraine, India’s long-standing reliance on Moscow for defense supplies is being called into question.

India and Russia have had a military relationship back to the Soviet era. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that of the $13.2 billion in India imported between 2016 and 2022, 49% was supplied by Russia.

Israel came in second with 13%, France came in third with 18%, and the US came in fourth with 11%. India has refrained from criticizing Russia for invading Ukraine and the ensuing conflict, while most of the world community remains hostile toward Russia.

Similarly, the American think-tank Stimson Center 2020 stated that the percentage of Russian-produced in India’s defense equipment is nearly 86%.

Over the past decade, India tried diversifying its military equipment purchases. Nevertheless, Russian continues to be the foundation of India’s military establishment.

India is reaching out to Israel, the United States, and Europe to lessen its reliance on Russian. The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the consequences of leaning too much on one partner.

Also, China, which India views as its biggest threat due to the ongoing border conflict, has moved closer to Russia due to the. It also compels India to think about reducing its dependence on Russia.

The ongoing negotiations between India and Russia on significant defense transactions have recently been fraught with uncertainty. It is challenging to link these concerns and the Western sanctions against Russia.

The procurement of more MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets and Ka-226T utility helicopters from Russia, for instance, is doubtful. However, as of yet, these plans have not been abandoned.

Experts believe New Delhi favors Russian because it is less expensive than its western counterparts.

Thakur said that 114 fighter aircraft are to be purchased for Indian Air Force as part of a $20 billion multi-role fighter aircraft program.

Following this project, India will import 18 jets and manufacture 96 fighter jets. Thakur says, “India has decided that the first 36 fighter jets made in India will be partly paid in Indian currency. And the remaining 60 fighter jets will be fully paid for in Indian currency.

Indian Air Force aims to attain a 42 squadron strength and deploy nearly 450 aircraft each along the borders of China and Pakistan. Expected contenders include Su-35, F-15 EX, Rafale, F-21, Saab Gripen, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

It is possible that this condition (paying in Indian rupees) was added, keeping Russia in mind. Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter can be much cheaper than Western jets.”

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