THEMATIC PAGE · 01 OF 08
Defence & security.
How India builds its defence relationships - equipment supply, joint production, exercises, and intelligence-sharing. India is the world's largest arms importer; indigenisation is now the top policy priority. 47 countries have some form of defence cooperation with India.
47
Country partners
6
Sub-themes
18
Active frameworks
BY SUB-THEME · PARTNER COUNT
47 countries cooperating with India on defence & security
SHOWING 47 OF 47
Each card shows the headline framework or programme.
Russia
EURASIA
Long-standing supplier relationship, now diversifying
Russia remains India's largest historical arms supplier — S-400, MiG-29, Su-30MKI, INS Vikramaditya. Share of Indian arms imports has dropped from 70% (2014) to below 45% (2024) as India diversifies. Spare-parts supply chains are the primary current concern.
United States
NORTH AMERICA
Rising to become largest supplier; INDUS-X launched
US is now India's second-largest defence supplier. C-17 Globemasters, P-8I Poseidons, Apache helicopters, MQ-9B drones are major acquisitions. INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem) supports startup co-development.
Israel
WEST ASIA
Drones, missiles, air defence — top supplier
Israel is India's third-largest arms supplier. Heron drones, Barak missiles, Spyder air defence, and ELM radars are among key platforms. Joint development under 'Make in India' offsets is expanding.
France
EUROPE
Rafale, submarines, and strategic partnership
36 Rafale jets delivered; second batch of 26 Naval Rafales ordered in 2024. Scorpene-class submarine P75 programme complete; P75I (6 more submarines) in negotiation. Safran engines power HAL Tejas.
United Kingdom
EUROPE
Jet engine and carrier technology cooperation
Rolls-Royce is a partner for HAL Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine. UK-India defence and security partnership covers maritime, counter-terrorism, and cyber. Annual defence dialogue.
Australia
OCEANIA
Maritime exercises and Quad cooperation
Malabar exercise (India-US-Japan, Australia rejoined in 2020), AUSINDEX bilateral maritime exercise, and AUSTIND army exercise. Australian critical minerals supply for Indian defence manufacturing.
Japan
EAST ASIA
2+2 and growing platform cooperation
Annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on foreign and defence affairs. Dharma Guardian (army) and JIMEX (naval) exercises. US-2 amphibious aircraft and Patriot-adjacent discussions ongoing.
United Arab Emirates
WEST ASIA
Maritime security and counter-terrorism
Defence cooperation MOU covers maritime security, counter-terrorism, and intelligence sharing. UAE is a key partner for India's Gulf maritime awareness. Joint naval exercises expanding. IDEX co-participation.
Germany
EUROPE
Submarine technology and Thyssenkrupp partnership
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is a leading bidder for India's P75I submarine programme (6 advanced submarines). Collaboration on propulsion, sensors, and torpedoes. HDW submarines form the backbone of India's existing fleet. Joint defence working group meets annually.
Italy
EUROPE
Helicopters, naval guns, and defence manufacturing
Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica) supplies AW101 helicopters for Indian Navy's VVIP fleet, OTO Melara naval guns for Indian warships, and Beretta small arms. Joint production offsets under Make in India. Relations were strained by the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter case but cooperation continues.
South Korea
EAST ASIA
K9 Vajra howitzers; growing co-production ambition
Hanwha Defence's K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer is assembled in India by L&T — India's largest artillery modernisation programme. KAI T-50 Golden Eagle trainer aircraft is under evaluation. Defence industrial cooperation agreement signed in 2019. South Korea seeks India as a defence export destination.
Singapore
SOUTH EAST ASIA
SAF India training facility; deep bilateral exercises
Singapore Armed Forces maintain a dedicated training facility at Kalaikunda, India — the most comprehensive such arrangement India has with any country. Bold Kurukshetra (armour), Simbex (naval), and Agni Warrior (artillery) exercises. Intelligence and cyber cooperation under the 2015 Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Canada
NORTH AMERICA
Simulators, training systems, and aerospace tech
CAE Inc. supplies advanced simulators for Indian Air Force (C-130J, AW101). Canada is a key supplier of uranium for India's nuclear programme. Defence relations strained in 2023 over Nijjar killing but defence procurement pipeline remains active. STEM and cybersecurity cooperation continues.
Sweden
EUROPE
Saab Carl-Gustaf, Bofors legacy, Gripen dialogue
Saab's Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle is a core Indian infantry weapon; Saab also supplies the RBS-70 MANPADS. Bofors (now BAE) 155mm field howitzers equipped Indian artillery for decades. The Gripen E/F fighter has been discussed as a future contender. Saab has significant Make in India partnerships.
Armenia
EURASIA
India's largest defence export success story
Armenia has become India's biggest arms export destination in recent years. Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, Akash surface-to-air missiles, 155mm Dhanush howitzers, and Swathi weapon-locating radars have all been supplied. The Armenia relationship demonstrates India's growing capability as a defence exporter, not just importer.
Philippines
SOUTH EAST ASIA
BrahMos sale signed; coast guard cooperation
Philippines signed a $375 million deal for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in 2022 — India's largest ever defence export at the time. Delivery underway in 2024. Philippines is also eyeing Akash SAM and Tejas aircraft. Coast guard cooperation includes patrol vessel supply and training.
Vietnam
SOUTH EAST ASIA
BrahMos interest; patrol boats and training
India extended a $500 million Line of Credit to Vietnam for defence purchases in 2016; a second $500m LOC followed. High-speed patrol boats built by Larsen & Toubro delivered. Vietnam is evaluating the BrahMos missile. Intelligence cooperation on South China Sea maritime awareness. Joint naval exercises.
Indonesia
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Defence MOU; Sukhoi pilot training; maritime
Indonesia operates Su-27/Su-30 fighters and India-Indonesia cooperation includes Sukhoi pilot training and spare-parts access. Defence cooperation agreement covers maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber. Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between navies. BrahMos and Tejas under evaluation.
Oman
WEST ASIA
Port access at Duqm; joint exercises; coast guard
India has access to Oman's Duqm port for naval replenishment — strategically vital for the Indian Ocean Region. Joint exercises Eastern Bridge (air) and Naseem Al Bahr (naval). Oman's coast guard uses Indian-origin patrol vessels. Counter-piracy cooperation in Gulf of Aden. Defence cooperation MOU active.
Sri Lanka
SOUTH ASIA
Offshore patrol vessels, radar, and training
India has supplied Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft, offshore patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and Indra ground surveillance radars to Sri Lanka. Indian Coast Guard and Navy conduct regular joint patrols. Training at Indian military academies is a key pillar. Relations deepened post-2022 economic crisis through Colombo Security Conclave.
Bangladesh
SOUTH ASIA
$500m LOC for defence equipment; joint exercises
India extended a $500 million defence Line of Credit to Bangladesh — the largest such credit to any country. Supplies include Cheetal helicopters, trucks, and maritime patrol aircraft. Exercise Samprati (army) and BONGOSAGAR (naval) are annual fixtures. Collaboration on border management and counter-terrorism.
Maldives
SOUTH ASIA
Coast guard vessels, helicopters, and island surveillance
India gifted a Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and two patrol vessels to the Maldives Coast Guard. India's maritime surveillance radar network covers Maldivian waters. DOSTI trilateral exercise with Sri Lanka. Relations tested in 2024 after President Muizzu's India-Out rhetoric but defence cooperation framework has held.
Saudi Arabia
WEST ASIA
Defence manufacturing MOU; joint production interest
India-Saudi defence cooperation has grown under Saudi Vision 2030's defence localisation goals. Joint committee on defence cooperation meets annually. Saudi Arabia is evaluating BrahMos and Akash systems. India sees Saudi Arabia as a key export market. Counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing in the Gulf.
Egypt
NORTH AFRICA
BrahMos interest; Tejas demo; training cooperation
Egypt is one of Africa's largest arms importers and has shown interest in BrahMos missiles and Tejas light combat aircraft. India-Egypt Defence Industry Cooperation MOU signed in 2023. Egyptian Air Force has conducted joint exercises with IAF. Egypt is a gateway for India's defence exports to Africa.
Qatar
WEST ASIA
Air force cooperation; base access; maritime
Qatar Air Base hosts some Indian military assets for Gulf security operations. Joint naval exercises and coast guard cooperation. Qatar's defence procurement diversification creates opportunities for Indian systems. Counter-terrorism intelligence sharing. Relations elevated to Strategic Partnership in 2024.
South Africa
AFRICA
Joint naval exercises; IBSA defence working group
South Africa and India share an IBSA Defence Working Group covering maritime security, peacekeeping, and defence industry cooperation. Exercise IBSAMAR (trilateral with Brazil) is a key naval exercise. Armscor (South Africa's procurement agency) has MoUs with DPSUs. South African military training hosted Indian officers.
Brazil
LATIN AMERICA
IBSAMAR naval exercise; Embraer platform cooperation
Brazil and India cooperate under the IBSA Defence Working Group. IBSAMAR trilateral exercise with South Africa. Embraer's military transport aircraft (C-390) is of interest to the Indian Air Force. Brazil supplies ammunition and has defence industry collaboration potential. Growing BrahMos and Akash marketing effort.
Nepal
SOUTH ASIA
Equipment grants; Gurkha recruitment; joint training
India is Nepal's primary defence supplier — providing arms, ammunition, and equipment through annual grants. Nepali Army officers train at Indian military academies; Indian Army Chief is the ceremonitary Honorary General of the Nepali Army. Surya Kiran bilateral air exercise. Border security cooperation under the open-border treaty.
Bhutan
SOUTH ASIA
India funds and trains Bhutan's Royal Army
India provides the bulk of Bhutan Royal Army's budget, equipment, and training. Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) has operated in Bhutan since 1968. Cooperation is quiet but deep — Bhutan's security is considered integral to India's own Himalayan border security, especially given Chinese presence in Doklam.
Mongolia
EAST ASIA
Nomadic Elephant exercise; training cooperation
India-Mongolia Nomadic Elephant exercise is an annual joint army exercise focused on counter-terrorism and mountainous terrain operations. Mongolia sends officers to Indian military academies. Mongolia's 'Third Neighbour' policy makes India a valued partner as a counterweight to China and Russia. India gifted 1 million doses of COVID vaccines.
Kazakhstan
CENTRAL ASIA
SCO defence cooperation; training programmes
Kazakhstan and India cooperate through the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). Joint training exercises KAZIND and KAZVIND. Kazakhstan provides uranium for India's nuclear programme. India's Connect Central Asia policy sees Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Defence MOU covers training and capacity building.
Uzbekistan
CENTRAL ASIA
Counter-terrorism; SCO military exercises
India-Uzbekistan bilateral exercise DUSTLIK focuses on counter-terrorism in mountainous terrain. Uzbekistan cooperates under SCO's RATS mechanism. India sees Uzbekistan as a key access point for the International North South Transport Corridor. Defence cooperation MOU signed 2018. Training of Uzbek officers in India.
Tajikistan
CENTRAL ASIA
Farkhor air base; training; SCO cooperation
India operates the Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan — its only foreign military facility — for logistical support and medical facilities. India has invested in upgrading the Ayni air base. Annual DUSHANBE bilateral exercise. Tajikistan training at Indian military academies. SCO counter-terrorism cooperation.
Malaysia
SOUTH EAST ASIA
LIMA cooperation; defence industry dialogue
India participates in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition. Malaysia operates Russian-origin aircraft, creating common ground with India. Defence cooperation agreement covers training, exercises, and maritime security. India-Malaysia HARIMAU SHAKTI army exercise. Malaysia is evaluating Indian OPVs.
Thailand
SOUTH EAST ASIA
MILAN multilateral exercise; defence trade dialogue
Thailand participates in MILAN, India's multilateral naval exercise. Maitree bilateral army exercise focuses on jungle warfare and counter-terrorism. Thailand evaluates Indian defence platforms. ASEAN-India maritime cooperation. Thailand operates F-16s and T-50s — India has less direct platform overlap but growing interest in BrahMos.
Myanmar
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Historical cooperation; reduced since 2021 coup
India supplied Kilo-class submarines, IN ships, and artillery to Myanmar before the 2021 coup. Border security cooperation on India's northeast was a key priority. Post-coup, India has maintained minimal engagement, suspending most military-to-military contact while preserving connectivity interests. Operation Sunrise joint counter-insurgency operations continue.
Ethiopia
AFRICA
Defence cooperation MOU; training assistance
India and Ethiopia signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement covering training, capacity building, and defence industry collaboration. Ethiopian military officers train at Indian academies. India is expanding its Africa defence diplomacy and Ethiopia is a key partner given its size and African Union hosting role. IBSA and India-Africa Forum links.
Nigeria
AFRICA
Maritime security; OPV interest; officer training
Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and a key Indian Ocean Region partner. Defence cooperation covers maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigerian Navy officer training in India, and potential OPV/patrol vessel sales. MILAN exercise participation. India-Africa Defence Dialogue elevates the bilateral.
Kenya
AFRICA
Indian Ocean maritime cooperation; training
Kenya is a strategic node in India's Indian Ocean Region policy. Defence cooperation MOU covers maritime security, counter-piracy, and training. Kenya Defence Forces have trained with the Indian Army. India-Kenya MILAN participation. Kenya's Mombasa port is an important call for Indian Navy deployments.
Jordan
WEST ASIA
Joint exercises; training; small arms cooperation
India and Jordan conduct NOMADIC ELEPHANT-equivalent training exchanges. Jordan's Armed Forces have trained with Indian Army counter-terrorism units. Small arms and ammunition cooperation. Jordan is a gateway for India's defence engagement with the broader Arab world. Intelligence sharing on regional threats.
Morocco
NORTH AFRICA
Defence cooperation agreement; training exchanges
India-Morocco Defence Cooperation Agreement covers training, joint exercises, and defence industry collaboration. Morocco's Royal Armed Forces have hosted Indian delegations. BrahMos and Akash marketing ongoing. Morocco is a gateway to Francophone Africa. India values Morocco's stability in the Maghreb region.
New Zealand
OCEANIA
Five Eyes-adjacent maritime; nascent bilateral
New Zealand participates in MILAN and maintains maritime cooperation with India in the South Pacific. As a Five Eyes member, NZ's intelligence-sharing framework occasionally intersects with India's. The India-NZ defence relationship is nascent but growing in the context of Quad-adjacent Indo-Pacific security.
Poland
EUROPE
Defence industry interest post-Ukraine war
Poland's massive post-2022 rearmament has created interest in Indian defence products, especially ammunition. Poland operates Russian-origin equipment (BMP-1, BMP-2) for which India can supply spares. Polish defence firms have shown interest in Indian artillery and rockets. Nascent government-to-government dialogue.
Czech Republic
EUROPE
AERO L-159 interest; ammunition and spares
Czech company AERO Vodochody manufactures the L-159 ALCA light combat aircraft, which India has evaluated. Czech firms supply ammunition and spares for Soviet-era Indian equipment. Discussions on joint production under India's defence export push. Nascent MoU framework under development.
Spain
EUROPE
Navantia submarine interest for P75I programme
Spain's Navantia has expressed interest in India's P75I submarine programme with its S-80 Plus submarine design. Spanish firm Indra supplies radar and electronic systems. Airbus Defence (Spain) is involved in C-295 transport aircraft supply to IAF. Nascent defence cooperation agreement.
Mozambique
AFRICA
Indian Ocean maritime watch; nascent naval cooperation
Mozambique's strategic position on the Mozambique Channel makes it important for India's Indian Ocean Region strategy. India has supplied some maritime surveillance equipment and conducts occasional naval visits to Maputo. Counter-piracy and counter-terrorism cooperation is nascent but growing under India-Africa Defence Dialogue.
Tanzania
AFRICA
Indian Ocean maritime; training MOU
Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port is a regular call for Indian Navy ships during IOR deployments. Defence cooperation covers training of Tanzanian officers in India and maritime awareness sharing. India is engaging East African nations to counter Chinese PLA-N expansion in the region.