The supply of warplanes, tanks, and armored vehicles from Russia to India is now disrupted due to the war situation in Ukraine. The supply of short-range anti-aircraft missiles, helicopters, and other military equipment could be halted.
Over the past few years, India has been importing T-90 tanks, BMP-2 armored vehicles, and MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia. Some of the equipment needed for their maintenance also comes from Russia. But the war in Ukraine could hamper that process, according to Defense Ministry sources. The import of 9K36 Igla short-range anti-aircraft missiles from Russia could also come to a halt.
New Delhi has also discussed the purchase of KA-226 helicopters with Moscow during Narendra Modi’s tenure. Last year, however, the central government slowed down the process of purchasing medium-to-use military helicopters from abroad to take policy decisions to accelerate the ‘Make in India’ project in the defense sector, a defense ministry official said.
But Russia’s ambassador to India, Denis Olipov, said last week that Russia would not delay the supply of S-400 Triumph missiles to India due to the war in Ukraine. Two S-400 anti-missile systems have already arrived in India from Russia. Three more are expected to arrive next April.
