India-Russia Strategic Partnership Strengthens Amid Global Tensions: Defense Cooperation and Regional Security

India and Russia are enhancing cooperation across multiple fronts, particularly in defense, despite disapproval from the United States and increasing tariffs. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belusov is visiting India ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip, engaging in discussions with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and finalizing several agreements, including the lease of a nuclear-powered attack submarine valued at approximately $2 billion.

During a joint press conference before their talks, Rajnath Singh stated, "Russia is a time-tested strategic partner of India. Ever since the signing of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership, there has been a significant increase in our bilateral defense cooperation." He further emphasized, "It is heartening to note that, despite so much geo-political uncertainty, India-Russia defense cooperation is progressing at a healthy pace."

Belusov highlighted the strategic importance of their relationship, saying, "Our bilateral relations have a strategic character and the partnership with India is a key factor for the balance in South Asian region and the global security in general." He added, "Russia cooperates in full scale with India in formation of the new outlook of the army, air force, and the navy... The intergovernmental commission on military and military-technical cooperation brings huge dedication in taking effective and mutually beneficial decisions in the military domain."

President Putin arrived on Thursday for his first visit to India since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He will be in Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, a meeting planned before the United States implemented tariff increases.

The visit has gained greater significance due to American pressure on India to halt oil purchases from Russia, alongside growing tensions with Pakistan and China.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia remained India's largest arms supplier for four years until 2024, with a 36 percent share. However, Russia's market share has reportedly been declining, prompting both nations to explore collaboration in other sectors.

Sources indicate that Putin will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to emphasize defense and energy partnerships between their countries.

India's strengthening ties with Russia also demonstrates its commitment to strategic autonomy, especially following US President Donald Trump's imposition of punitive 50 percent tariff rates in response to New Delhi's decision to continue importing Russian oil.