Top Indian Arms Executives Held Quiet Talks in Russia on New Joint Ventures Amid Sanctions Concerns

At least half a dozen senior executives from major Indian arms makers — including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge — travelled to Russia earlier this year for confidential discussions on potential joint ventures, according to three individuals familiar with the development.

This marked the first visit by Indian defence industry leaders to Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. India is seeking to reorient its decades-old defence relationship with Russia toward joint development and production of weapons as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to make India a global defence manufacturing hub.

However, any renewed collaboration with Russia poses significant risks. Western diplomats have repeatedly warned that India’s deep military ties with Moscow — with about 36% of India’s current arsenal of Russian origin — remain a major obstacle to the transfer of sensitive Western military technology.

Talks Linked to Putin’s December Visit

The secretive meetings in Moscow took place on October 29–30 alongside a visit by an Indian defence-industrial delegation led by India’s Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar. The discussions were part of preparatory efforts ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4–5.

Spokespersons from both Adani Group and Bharat Forge denied attending the meetings, while India’s defence ministry and other cited firms did not respond to inquiries.

Focus on Joint Production

The talks covered joint manufacturing of spare parts for MiG-29 fighter jets and other Russian-origin air defence and weapon systems. Russia also proposed establishing production units in India to develop equipment that could later be exported back to Moscow, sources said.

An executive from Bharat Forge attended to explore the development of components for Russian-origin tanks, aircraft, and potential collaboration on future helicopters. Adani Defence CEO Ashish Rajvanshi was also present, according to sources.

A representative from the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers — which includes major firms such as Tata, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Electronics — also participated.

Sanctions Risks Loom

The talks come with significant geopolitical risks. In 2024, Reuters reported that a Bharat Forge subsidiary exported artillery shells that were later diverted to Ukraine, triggering a protest from Moscow.

Indian firms remain wary of entering new agreements with Russia due to the threat of secondary sanctions from Western nations. While India may offer diplomatic support, officials acknowledge that companies will ultimately need to weigh the political and economic risks themselves.