News Desk
NEW DELHI — India has significantly reduced defense imports from Russia, citing delays in delivering key systems like the S-400 missile system and T-90S tanks. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, India has placed no new orders with Russia, instead turning to Western suppliers such as France and the United States.
France emerged as India’s second-largest defense supplier from 2019 to 2023, accounting for 33% of imports, while the U.S. provided 13%. This shift has paved the way for advanced defense collaborations. French aerospace giant Safran is in talks with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation to jointly develop an engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Mk 2. Safran has offered full technology transfer, including design, development, and production phases, alongside expertise in advanced materials and metallurgy.
The collaboration extends to helicopter development, with Safran supporting India’s Multi-Role Helicopter program and agreeing to transfer technology for the Shakti engine. On the naval front, India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and France’s Naval Group will co-develop surface ships for domestic and international markets.
These partnerships mark a strategic pivot in India’s defense procurement, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on traditional suppliers like Russia.
