Sanjeev Kumar (L) and A Boytsov after signing agreements during the 22nd India-Russia Working Group Meeting. (Photo: MoD)
New Delhi: The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry was held on Friday in New Delhi, showcasing the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. This meeting, part of the broader India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), reaffirmed the importance of defence and technical collaboration as a cornerstone of their bilateral ties.
The meeting was co-chaired by the secretary (defence production), Sanjeev Kumar, and the first deputy director of Russia’s federal service for military technical cooperation, A Boytsov. This meeting comes at a crucial time as both nations seek to bolster their longstanding defence ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The meeting highlighted the importance of military collaboration between India and Russia, particularly in light of recent global events that have impacted defence procurement and supply chains. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created delays in the delivery of military equipment and spare parts from Russia to India, prompting both countries to explore alternative arrangements to ensure operational readiness.
During the discussions, key officials from both sides emphasized their commitment to enhancing joint manufacturing capabilities within India. The focus will be on establishing joint ventures that facilitate the local production of critical military components and spare parts for Russian-origin equipment, thereby reducing dependency on foreign supplies.
The meeting resulted in several significant agreements. Both nations agreed to expedite the delivery of spare parts for Russian-origin military platforms. This includes setting up joint ventures in India to manufacture these components locally.
The discussions highlighted the need for timely support for various military platforms, including the Mi-17V-5 helicopters, Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, and T-90 tanks. These platforms are integral to India’s defence strategy and require consistent maintenance support.
There was also a consensus on reorienting the defence partnership towards joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies. This shift aims to address India's growing demand for self-reliance in defence capabilities.
During the meeting, a new working group on technological cooperation was proposed, with plans to discuss its framework during the next IRIGC-M&MTC meeting scheduled for mid-2025.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has complicated logistics and supply chains, leading to delays in critical deliveries. Indian military officials have acknowledged these issues but maintain that operational preparedness has not been compromised. The Indian armed forces have been actively seeking alternative sources for spare parts from countries, like Poland and Georgia, while also assessing domestic capabilities.
The meeting also served as a platform for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to mutual cooperation in defence matters. Officials expressed optimism that the agreements reached would pave the way for a more robust defence partnership that can withstand external pressures.
