India and Russia have initiated a fresh round of high-level discussions to expand defence co-production, joint technology development and military-industrial cooperation. The two countries reviewed existing programmes and explored opportunities for developing and manufacturing advanced defence equipment under their longstanding strategic partnership.
The inaugural session of the 24th Working Group Meeting on Military-Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry took place in New Delhi on October 8, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and Andrey A. Boytsov, First Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).
Senior officials from both countries participated in the discussions, which focused on strengthening existing military-technical cooperation and identifying opportunities for future joint development and manufacturing projects.
The engagement builds on a defence relationship that has evolved from conventional equipment purchases towards technology transfer, licensed production, joint research and indigenous manufacturing. Established programmes such as BrahMos missiles, Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, T-90 tanks and AK-203 assault rifles demonstrate the industrial foundations of this partnership.
India and Russia Review Defence Industrial Cooperation in New Delhi
The October 8 meeting took place under the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), the principal institutional framework overseeing bilateral defence cooperation.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions examined existing military-technical programmes and opportunities for co-production and co-development. The focus reflects both countries’ interest in moving beyond the traditional supplier-customer relationship towards deeper industrial participation.
The Defence Production Secretary’s involvement places particular emphasis on manufacturing, technology partnerships and industrial collaboration. Russia’s FSMTC coordinates international military-technical cooperation, including defence exports and associated government-to-government arrangements.
The meeting follows the 23rd Working Group session held in Moscow on October 29, 2025, which was attended by an Indian delegation led by Sanjeev Kumar.
These regular engagements provide a mechanism for reviewing ongoing projects, addressing implementation issues and identifying additional areas where Indian and Russian defence industries can cooperate.
The October 8 announcement did not identify newly approved weapon systems, disclose procurement values or confirm the signing of fresh manufacturing contracts.
Ten-Year Defence Agreement Provides Framework for Joint Development
India and Russia operate under a ten-year programme for military-technical cooperation covering 2021–2031, signed in New Delhi on December 6, 2021.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in defence research, development, production and the maintenance of military equipment.
Its significance lies in supporting industrial collaboration throughout the lifecycle of defence systems rather than focusing exclusively on the initial purchase of equipment.
Joint development involves cooperation in designing and engineering new technologies, while co-production enables participating industries to manufacture systems or components through agreed industrial arrangements.
After-sales support is equally important because military equipment requires spare parts, technical assistance, upgrades and periodic maintenance over decades of service.
India operates several major military platforms of Russian origin. Their continued operational availability makes reliable maintenance infrastructure and domestic component manufacturing important elements of bilateral cooperation.
The 2021–2031 programme therefore provides continuity for existing equipment while supporting the development of new defence technologies.
December 2025 Summit Reinforced Shift Towards Indigenous Manufacturing
The latest Working Group discussions follow commitments made during the India–Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.
In their joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the outcomes of the 22nd session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
Both countries recognised the continuing importance of defence cooperation and reaffirmed their intention to expand joint research, co-development and manufacturing of advanced military systems.
The joint statement specifically supported manufacturing Russian-origin military spare parts, components and assemblies in India through technology transfer and industrial partnerships.
It also recognised opportunities to export jointly manufactured products to mutually friendly third countries, subject to approval by both governments.
This approach aligns with India’s objective of increasing domestic defence production while maintaining the operational effectiveness of equipment already serving with its armed forces.
The October 2026 Working Group meeting provides an additional institutional opportunity to advance these established priorities.
BrahMos Demonstrates India–Russia Joint Missile Development
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile programme remains an important example of India–Russia cooperation in developing advanced defence technology.
BrahMos Aerospace was established as a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
Unlike programmes based primarily on licensed manufacturing of an existing foreign platform, BrahMos involves bilateral cooperation in developing, producing and progressively improving a missile system.
The missile has been integrated into land-based, naval and air-launched configurations, providing the Indian Armed Forces with different operational deployment options.
Its development also supports a domestic industrial ecosystem involving propulsion-related equipment, electronics, mechanical structures and other specialised technologies.
The programme has subsequently expanded into international defence markets, demonstrating the export potential of jointly developed military equipment.
BrahMos illustrates how long-term technological collaboration can establish manufacturing capabilities and create opportunities for further development within India.
Su-30MKI Manufacturing Established a Major Aerospace Industrial Base
The licensed production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) represents another major component of India–Russia defence cooperation.
HAL’s manufacturing programme enabled India to establish substantial capabilities in assembling, producing and supporting advanced multirole combat aircraft.
The aircraft combines a Russian-origin airframe and propulsion architecture with avionics, weapons and subsystems sourced or developed through several international and Indian partnerships.
Over time, the programme has supported the development of domestic aerospace manufacturing, maintenance and integration capabilities.
The Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet remains an important part of India’s combat aviation capabilities. Sustaining this fleet requires a continuing supply of engines, components, repair services and upgrade technologies.
India and Russia have also cooperated in the licensed production of AL-31FP engines associated with the aircraft.
The established manufacturing infrastructure provides a foundation for future discussions involving aerospace components, maintenance support and technological modernisation.
However, the October 8 meeting did not announce a new Su-30MKI production agreement or identify a specific fighter aircraft upgrade package.
AK-203 Rifle Programme Expands Localised Defence Manufacturing
The AK-203 assault rifle programme demonstrates a different model of bilateral cooperation, based on technology transfer and progressively localised manufacturing.
The rifles are manufactured in India by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture involving Indian and Russian defence organisations.
Production takes place at the Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Russian state defence corporation Rostec confirmed in July 2024 that the joint venture had manufactured and delivered 35,000 AK-203 assault rifles to India’s Ministry of Defence.
Rostec stated that the project was structured around technology transfer and the objective of achieving complete localisation of production.
Russian participants in the venture include Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern, both associated with Rostec.
The localisation programme involves more than final assembly. Establishing domestic manufacturing requires specialised machinery, tooling, inspection equipment, production procedures and trained personnel.
In July 2024, Rostec also reported that Kalashnikov had manufactured more than 3,000 items of tooling and technological equipment during the first half of that year to support the Indian production programme.
The project provides an example of how bilateral defence manufacturing arrangements can involve the gradual establishment of industrial processes and supporting infrastructure within India.
T-90 Tank Production Supports India’s Armoured Vehicle Industry
India’s licensed production of Russian-designed T-90 tanks is another longstanding example of bilateral defence industrial cooperation.
The Indian Army operates the T-90 Bhishma main battle tank, with domestic manufacturing undertaken through India’s armoured vehicle production infrastructure.
The programme has helped establish capabilities in tank assembly, heavy engineering, mechanical systems and supporting equipment.
Armoured vehicles require extensive industrial support throughout their service lives, including maintenance of propulsion systems, transmission equipment, fire-control systems and other mechanical and electronic components.
Producing spare parts and assemblies domestically can reduce dependence on international supply chains and improve the availability of replacement equipment.
These requirements make component localisation and maintenance cooperation important areas within the broader India–Russia defence relationship.
Naval Cooperation Includes Frigates, Submarines and Training
India and Russia also maintain substantial cooperation in naval technology and shipbuilding.
The relationship includes India’s acquisition and operation of Russian-origin naval platforms, as well as industrial cooperation involving warship construction and associated systems.
INS Tushil, a Russian-built stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad in December 2024. Another frigate, INS Tamal, was commissioned at Kaliningrad on July 1, 2025.
These programmes illustrate continuing cooperation in naval shipbuilding and the integration of military systems.
The countries also maintain professional exchanges between their naval institutions.
From September 27 to October 1, 2026, a six-member Russian Navy delegation led by Captain 1st Rank Sergei V. Saitov visited India’s Southern Naval Command and Indian Naval Academy.
The delegation reviewed training infrastructure and discussed opportunities to strengthen maritime cooperation, interoperability and institutional exchanges.
Such engagements complement industrial cooperation by sustaining professional relationships between the two navies.
Local Manufacturing of Spare Parts Becomes a Strategic Priority
One of the most practical areas for further India–Russia cooperation involves the domestic production of components used in Russian-origin military equipment.
India’s armed forces operate equipment acquired through multiple decades of defence cooperation with Russia and the former Soviet Union.
These systems require continuous maintenance, periodic refurbishment and reliable access to replacement parts.
Dependence on overseas suppliers for critical components can complicate maintenance planning, particularly when equipment remains operational for extended periods.
Local manufacturing arrangements can help Indian companies establish capabilities in precision machining, metallurgy, electronic assemblies and specialised mechanical equipment.
The India–Russia joint statement of December 2025 explicitly identified technology transfer and joint ventures as instruments for expanding production of spare parts and related products within India.
This approach can also involve Indian private manufacturers and smaller enterprises participating as suppliers to larger defence production organisations.
The emphasis on domestic component manufacturing creates opportunities to strengthen India’s defence industrial supply chains while supporting equipment already in service.
Russian Defence Industry Supports India’s Self-Reliance Objectives
During the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov expressed his country’s readiness to support India’s efforts towards greater self-reliance in defence production.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised strengthening indigenous industrial capacity for domestic requirements and exports.
He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in specialised and emerging technologies.
Both ministers signed a protocol covering ongoing and prospective areas of defence cooperation.
The discussions reflected a shared recognition that industrial partnerships increasingly require technology transfer, manufacturing participation and long-term production arrangements.
From Russia’s perspective, joint manufacturing provides an established route for defence-industrial cooperation with India. For India, these arrangements can contribute to local industrial capabilities and reduce dependence on imported finished equipment.
The extent of these benefits depends on the technologies transferred, domestic production content and the industrial responsibilities assigned to Indian partners.
Cooperation Expands into Unmanned Systems and Advanced Manufacturing
The wider India–Russia industrial partnership has also begun examining emerging technologies relevant to advanced engineering and manufacturing.
On August 7, 2026, the two countries held the 12th session of their Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation in New Delhi.
The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia and Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexey Gruzdev.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, discussions included unmanned aerial systems, additive manufacturing, aero-engines, propulsion technologies and carbon-fibre materials.
The meeting also covered Russian SJ-100 regional aircraft production, critical minerals, railway infrastructure and industrial modernisation.
These discussions took place under the bilateral economic and industrial cooperation mechanism rather than the October 8 defence Working Group.
Nevertheless, several technologies involved have applications across both civilian and defence manufacturing.
Advanced materials, propulsion systems, unmanned aircraft and precision manufacturing represent areas where industrial expertise can support wider aerospace and engineering capabilities.
The discussions demonstrate that India–Russia technology cooperation extends beyond established weapons programmes into newer manufacturing sectors.
Defence Cooperation Increasingly Includes Joint Capability Development
The two countries have continued strengthening military-to-military engagement alongside industrial cooperation.
During his September 2026 visit to Russia, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth met Russian Deputy Defence Minister General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.
According to the Indian Army, their discussions covered joint capability development, professional military exchanges and opportunities for additional military cooperation.
India and Russia also conduct joint military exercises through established bilateral mechanisms.
These engagements provide opportunities to exchange operational experience and improve professional understanding between their armed forces.
Military requirements and industrial development are connected because experience with equipment in service can inform maintenance needs, future upgrades and potential technology development programmes.
Regular interaction between defence establishments therefore complements the work undertaken through the intergovernmental military-technical cooperation framework.
India–Russia Defence Partnership Enters a New Phase of Industrial Collaboration
The October 8 meeting in New Delhi reflects the continued evolution of India–Russia defence cooperation towards industrial and technological collaboration.
Existing programmes such as BrahMos, Su-30MKI, T-90 and AK-203 demonstrate different approaches to joint development, licensed production and technology transfer.
The bilateral framework now places additional emphasis on domestic component manufacturing, maintenance support, emerging technologies and opportunities for joint exports.
The latest Working Group meeting did not announce specific new defence contracts or manufacturing projects. Its immediate significance lies in reviewing existing cooperation and advancing discussions on additional co-production and development initiatives.
India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities provide a substantial foundation for such collaboration, particularly in aerospace engineering, missile technologies, naval systems, specialised components and advanced manufacturing.
As the 2021–2031 military-technical cooperation programme progresses, closer coordination between Indian and Russian defence industries can support the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities and long-term technological partnerships.
The continuing engagement reinforces a defence relationship increasingly shaped by joint research, domestic production, technology transfer and industrial self-reliance, strengthening the foundation for future India–Russia military-technical cooperation.
References
- Ministry of Defence, Government of India, October 8, 2026. Official announcement concerning the inaugural session of the 24th India–Russia Working Group Meeting on Military-Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry.
https://www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia/posts/1419435227045326/ - Akashvani News (News On AIR), October 8, 2026. India, Russia Discuss Military-Technical Cooperation, Defence Co-Production Initiatives.
https://newsonair.gov.in/india-russia-discuss-military-technical-cooperation-defence-co-production/ - Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, December 2025. India–Russia Joint Statement Following the 23rd Annual Summit.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2199494 - Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau, December 4, 2025. Raksha Mantri and His Russian Counterpart Co-chair 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2199013 - Ministry of Defence, Government of India, December 2025. India–Russia Defence Cooperation: Joint Research, Development and Production.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?ModuleId=3&NoteId=156315&id=156315 - President of Russia, Kremlin, July 9, 2024. Joint Statement Following the 22nd India–Russia Annual Summit. Sections 35–36 address military-technical cooperation, technology transfer and joint manufacturing.
https://en.special.kremlin.ru/supplement/6168 - Rostec State Corporation, Russia, July 5, 2024. A Joint Venture Between Russia and India Has Delivered 35,000 AK-203 to the Indian Army.
https://www.rostec.ru/en/media/news/a-joint-venture-between-russia-and-india-has-delivered-35-000-ak-203-to-the-indian-army/ - Rostec State Corporation, Russia, July 30, 2024. Kalashnikov Manufactures Specialised Tooling for AK-203 Production in India.
https://rostec.ru/media/news/kalashnikov-izgotovil-instrument-dlya-proizvodstva-ak-203-v-indii/ - Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Press Information Bureau, August 7, 2026. 12th Session of India–Russia Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation Held in New Delhi.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2296182 - Akashvani News, September 18, 2026. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Meets Russian Deputy Defence Minister in Moscow.
https://newsonair.gov.in/army-chief-general-dhiraj-seth-meets-russian-deputy-defence-minister-in-moscow/
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