Shringla: Russia Remains India’s Biggest Defence Partner, Cooperation Evolving Under Atmanirbhar Bharat
New Delhi, October 17 (The Trending People): Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday reaffirmed the strength and depth of India-Russia relations, stating that Moscow remains New Delhi's single largest supplier of advanced military systems. He emphasized that the defence partnership has evolved significantly—from traditional imports to joint development, co-production, and genuine technology transfers—aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Speaking at an event on India-Russia Strategic Partnerships in New Delhi, Shringla highlighted the resilience of bilateral ties amid global upheavals, shifting geopolitical alignments, and pandemic disruptions. “One of the most remarkable features of our partnership is its resilience to change. India and Russia have kept channels open, adapted mechanisms, and found ways to move forward. This resilience is the fruit of decades of trust, mutual respect, and what I would call strategic patience,” he remarked.
Political and Diplomatic Convergence
Shringla underscored the political and diplomatic synergy between New Delhi and Moscow as the foundation of their relationship. He pointed out that the annual summit between the two nations serves as a crucial platform for leaders to assess bilateral progress and set future priorities.
He cited the Moscow summit held in July 2024 as a defining moment in reaffirming the shared vision of an enduring and expanding partnership. “When Prime Minister Modi was awarded Russia’s Order of Saint Andrew during that visit, it was far more than a ceremony. It symbolized genuine esteem and the deep trust cultivated over years of collaboration,” Shringla said.
He added that beyond high-level summits, continuous ministerial exchanges, the 2+2 dialogue, and cooperation within international groupings such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and SCO reflect the sustained engagement between the two nations. He also acknowledged Russia’s consistent support for India’s aspiration for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, calling it a vital pillar of the long-standing partnership.
Defence and Security: The Muscle of the Partnership
Shringla described defence cooperation as the “muscle” of the India-Russia relationship. He noted that Russia’s role as India’s largest defence partner remains unmatched, but its character has evolved dramatically. “Our cooperation has moved beyond imports to include joint development, co-production, and genuine technology transfers, in keeping with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he explained.
He cited the BrahMos missile project as a prime example of successful collaboration that has given both nations a strategic advantage. “The BrahMos missile showcases how two nations can co-innovate for a strategic edge that neither could achieve alone,” he said.
Shringla further praised Russia’s steadfast commitment to India’s defence needs despite global supply challenges, pointing to the delivery of S-400 air defence systems as a reflection of trust and reliability even amid external pressures.
Cultural Resonance and Public Pride
In a lighter note, Shringla shared an anecdote from his visit to Siliguri in North Bengal during the Durga Puja celebrations, where local pandals displayed panels celebrating Operation Sindoor and the BrahMos missile system. “It was heartening to see the pride among people for India’s defence achievements and our partnership with a friend like Russia,” he said, emphasizing how defence cooperation has become a matter of national pride.
Strategic Patience and the Road Ahead
Concluding his address, Shringla reiterated that the India-Russia relationship is defined by mutual trust, long-term vision, and adaptability. As both nations pursue shared goals through technological innovation and strategic cooperation, he said the partnership is poised to play a defining role in shaping the future of global geopolitics.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
The India-Russia partnership stands as one of the most stable and strategic global alliances. As defence cooperation evolves to emphasize innovation and self-reliance, it reinforces India’s journey toward becoming a major technological and military power under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.