The column first appeared in The Print on March 8, 2022.
India and Russia share a longstanding relationship in the realms of defense and space, marked by decades of collaboration and mutual reliance. As geopolitical shifts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, present new challenges, these ties continue to influence India’s strategic policies and technological advancements.
India’s dependence on Russian space technology has diminished in recent decades with the growth of its indigenous capabilities, such as the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). However, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) maintains cooperative ties with Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart. Notably, the first group of astronaut candidates for India’s Gaganyaan mission completed spaceflight training in Russia in 2022. The impact of the Ukraine war on such collaborations remains uncertain, with global sanctions on Russia potentially affecting future plans.
Historically, India relied heavily on the Soviet Union for satellite launches. Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, and Bhaskara-1 and -2 were launched from the Soviet Baikonur Cosmodrome in the 1970s and 1980s. Additionally, the Soviet Union launched India’s first advanced remote sensing satellites, IRS-1A and IRS-1B, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, India partnered with Russia to launch the IRS-1C on the Molniya-M rocket in 1995, marking the last Indian satellite launched on a Russian platform.
India’s defense sector remains deeply intertwined with Russia, as approximately 70% of India’s military hardware originates from the country. This includes advanced submarines, naval warships, and the S-400 Triumf air defense system, a recent acquisition that has drawn attention from Western nations. Russia’s cooperation has been instrumental in India’s indigenous nuclear submarine program, including the Chakra series of leased submarines that serve as training platforms for Indian crews.
The joint development of the BrahMos cruise missile, recognized as one of the fastest in the world, exemplifies successful Indo-Russian defense collaboration. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a significant number of Russian-origin aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21 Bison, and MiG-29 fighter jets.
Beyond direct collaborations, Russia’s influence extends to India’s defense ties with neighboring regions like Tajikistan, where strategic cooperation involves Russian participation. However, Western sanctions on Russia could potentially disrupt key defense projects and trade agreements.
Despite shifting global dynamics, India’s historical and ongoing ties with Russia underscore their strategic significance in defense and space, shaping India’s technological and military landscape…
Read More: The Print
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