ISAS Insights

Defence trade has been the cornerstone of the Indo-Russian strategic partnership since the 1950s. Today, with Russian military sales to India steadily declining, the defining aspect of their bilateral relationship is threatening to become a heavy burden for both partners. Furthermore, Russian concern over this loss of market share is fast giving way to discontent. Recent reports have the Russians complaining that Indian military tenders are designed to the benefit of some and to the detriment of others, specifically Russia.