The India-Russia Defense Partnership: Six Decades of Strategic Trust and Technological Evolution The India-Russia defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, is a cornerstone of India’s military capability, with Russia (and formerly the Soviet Union) supplying 60–70% of India’s arms imports since the 1960s. From MiG-21 jets and T-55 tanks in the Cold War to modern S-400 systems and Su-30 MKI fighters, Russia has delivered aircraft, tanks, submarines, missiles, and more, totaling over $70 billion in deals. Joint ventures like BrahMos Aerospace produce world-class missiles, while co-production of T-90 tanks and AK-203 rifles supports India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite challenges—spares delays, geopolitical shifts, and competition from Western suppliers—the partnership remains robust, with $10 billion in recent contracts. Over the next decade, expect deeper co-development in AI, stealth tech, and space, with trade projected to hit $20 billion, reinforcing a resilient alliance ...