India faces uncertainty over defence supplies from Russia and Ukraine

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Amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, India faces uncertainty over its delivery of weapons from both Russia and Ukraine.

India-Russia Defence Cooperation

The Defence trade between India and Russia has crossed $15bn since 2018. Currently, over 60% of Indian military inventory is of Russian origin.

For instance, India has signed S-400 air defence systems and AK-203 assault rifles defence deals with Russia.

India is also looking to receive the third Akula class nuclear attack submarine(SSN) sometime in 2025.

However, in the current situation, India faces the risk of being sanctioned by the US for the acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act{CAATSA}.

India-Ukraine Defence Cooperation

India had signed a separate deal with Ukraine for eight Zorya-Mashproekt gas turbine engines for the frigates. 

Ukraine is also upgrading over 100 An-32 transport aircraft of the IAF under a deal finalised in 2009. 

In 2021, Ukraine has signed four agreements worth $70 mn which includes the sale of new weapons as well as maintenance and the upgrade of the existing ones in service with the Indian military.

Source: This post is based on the article “India faces uncertainty over defence supplies from Russia and Ukraine” published in The Hindu on 2nd March 2022.