India, historically one of Russia’s largest military equipment buyers, is increasingly pivoting towards Western defence platforms. This shift comes amid supply chain delays from Russia, the impact of Western sanctions, the superior performance of Western technologies, and rising concerns about the long-term viability of Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

New Delhi’s diversification is evident in recent procurement decisions. The Indian Air Force has expanded its fleet with French Rafale fighter jets, bypassing Russian competitors. Similarly, the acquisition of American AH-64 Apache helicopters and P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft highlights a strategic turn. These systems far outpace Russian offerings in technology, operational capability, and logistical support, providing India with an edge in modern warfare scenarios.

Western defence firms, including Lockheed Martin, Dassault Aviation, and Boeing, have strategically positioned themselves to capitalise on India’s shift. Their advanced products—equipped with cutting-edge avionics, stealth features, and weapon systems—align with India’s vision of a modernised military. In contrast, delays in Russian platforms, such as the S-400 air defence system, coupled with questions about post-sale support, have eroded Moscow’s competitive edge.

India’s concerns about its reliance on Moscow stem from operational and geopolitical factors. A key issue is spare parts for ageing Russian platforms, many of which date back to the Soviet era.

Following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin’s defence industrial base has prioritised its domestic needs, leaving international clients in limbo. Additionally, Western sanctions against Russian firms have limited their ability to fulfil contracts on time. This geopolitical landscape also plays a critical role in India’s reorientation. The deepening Sino-Russian alliance raises further questions about Moscow’s reliability as a defence partner, particularly in the context of India’s cross-border tensions with China.

Western nations, meanwhile, have sought to strengthen their strategic ties with New Delhi under frameworks like the Quad—a security dialogue involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Defence analysts view India’s diversification as a balancing act. While New Delhi seeks to reduce any overdependence on Russian platforms, it is mindful of not alienating a longstanding partner.

India’s commitment to joint ventures, such as the development of the BrahMos cruise missile with Russia, underscores its interest in maintaining some collaborative ties. However, the technological superiority of Western systems is a decisive factor.

Coincidentally - or not - the strategic pivot to Western platforms also aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative. Many Western firms have pledged to transfer technology and establish local manufacturing hubs, addressing India’s push for self-reliance.

Boeing’s partnership with Tata to produce Apache fuselages domestically and Lockheed Martin’s plan to build F-21 components in India reflect this trend.

While India’s shift is far from complete, it signals a redefinition of global defence dynamics.

For Russia, losing its grip on one of the world’s largest arms markets would compound its economic woes. For India, integrating advanced Western platforms may enhance its military readiness and geopolitical leverage, ensuring its strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarised world.