Defence & security.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maritime 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.