Evolution of Indo-Russian cooperation in security and defense (2018-2022)

Abstract

The cooperation in security and defense matters between India and Russia has a historical nature, characterized by close collaboration prioritized by both governments. One of the areas where this relationship has been most evident is the supply of Russian armaments to New Delhi, as the Slavic country has been, by far, the main supplier. However, during the years 2018-2022, there was a significant decrease in Russian arms exports to the Asian country, mainly due to the development of the Indian defense industry. The negative nature of this trend has not implied a weakening of Indo-Russian cooperation in the sector but rather a rapprochement in other areas within it. To reach this conclusion, the research evaluates the trends in Indo-Russian cooperation in security and defense, specifically in the areas of arms trade, joint investment and development projects, and the conduct of military exercises during the mentioned period.