As the latest “Indra” trilateral military exercises concluded in Rajasthan, Russia’s Ambassador to India highlighted the “unique” nature of the defense cooperation, which is “rooted in battlefield experience that Russia willingly shares.”
Denis Alipov emphasized that this practical, hands-on collaboration separates the India-Russia partnership from others. He also noted India’s participation in multilateral drills like “Milan” and SCO anti-terrorist missions.
This focus on shared experience is the foundation for a new defense push. Alipov detailed the success of joint ventures like BrahMos and Su-30 MKI, before proposing future projects like the Su-57 fighter and advanced drone systems.
This strategic announcement reaffirmed the 60-year-old defense ties, which account for 70% of India’s military hardware. Alipov cited “Operation Sindoor” as proof of the equipment’s effectiveness.
The timing of the speech was significant, coming just after Donald Trump’s claim that India would halt Russian oil purchases. Both India and Russia dismissed this, with the MEA focusing on “consumer interests” and Alipov stressing the “beneficial” nature of the oil trade.
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