Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment: CRS report”

About the CRS report?

CRS is a public policy research institute of the United States Congress. The CRS prepares periodic reports on various issues using independent subject experts. Its reports are not official reports of Congress and are prepared to help lawmakers make informed decisions.

What does the CRS report say about India-Russia arms sales?

Since 2010 Russia has been the source of nearly 2/3 of all Indian arms imports. India has been the largest importer of Russian arms. India’s major military equipment’s from tanks to aircraft carriers are of Russian origin.

Since 2015 there has been a consistent drop in the import of equipment from Russia. But the Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian-supplied equipment.

Why defence relation is important for both Russia and India?

Arms purchase is one of the leverage that India has over Russia. Moreover, Russia supplies advanced technologies to India which no other countries would supply. So this creates Russian leverage over India. Thus, this relation is mutually beneficial for both countries, and both countries would like to sustain it.

What are the recent Indian deals with Russia?

In 2019 India submitted US$800 million for the S 400 systems. The total value of the sale is estimated to be $5.4 billion.

India has also entered a contract for indigenous production of Russian T 90 tanks.

This report would thus help US lawmakers decide on the issue of CAATSA in the wake of India purchasing S-400 systems from Russia.

Source: This post is based on the article “Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment: CRS report” published in the Indian Express on 27th October 2021.