Big worry for India amid China, Pakistan threat as Russia unable to supply S-400 air defense system, Sukhoi fighter jets, T-90 tanks due to…

Situation has changed since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022 as Moscow has been unable to make prompt deliveries of several key weapons systems to India, such as S-400 air defense system, Sukhoi fighter jets, and spares for the T-90 tanks.

Russia-Ukraine war: For decades, Russia has been the largest exporter of arms and munitions to India, with New Delhi buying everything from missiles, fighter jets to rifles and tanks from Moscow, which has significantly strengthened India’s strategic and military prowess in South Asia. However, the situation has changed since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022 as Moscow has been unable to make prompt deliveries of several key weapons systems to India, such as S-400 air defense system, Sukhoi fighter jets, and spares for the T-90 tanks.

According to reports, Russia has not been able to supply India with the two remaining S-400 air defense systems, as well as spare parts for some key munitions purchased by New Delhi earlier, including the T-90 tanks– India’s main battle tank.

The prolonged delay in acquiring these weapons systems from Russia is a cause of concern for India amidst the rising threat from hostile neighbours such as China and Pakistan.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised this matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia earlier this year, but the issue remains unresolved. Now, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, is likely take up this issue with Russian leadership and work on a solution.

Singh, who will unveil India’s multi-role stealth guided warship, INS Tushil, which is set to be inducted into the Indian Navy, during his Russia visit, is scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on December 10, where he will also discuss Putin’s proposed visit to India.

It will be Putin’s first visit to India after a gap of years, during which the issue of delay in delivery of Russian weapons will likely be raised by PM Modi and other Indian leaders.

Why Russia is unable to supply weapons to India?

The primary reason for Russia’s prolonged delay in supplying weapons to India is because of Moscow is currently embroiled in the raging Russia-Ukraine war, which has undoubtedly taken its toll on its munitions’ supplies and its Army. Recently, Ukraine has reportedly destroyed several S-400 air defense systems and good number of Russian tanks, including the T-90 tanks, using US and British-made missiles.

These losses have forced Russia to cut down its weapons exports as it needs to replenish its own war effort against Ukraine, especially in wake of the recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Apart from S-400 air defense systems and T-90 tanks, India is also finding it difficult to obtain spare parts for the Russian-made Sukhoi SU 30MKI fighter jets, which is considered the main warplane of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This is severely affecting India’s strategic preparation, especially at a time when its facing continuous challenges from arch rivals China and Pakistan.

Though India has purchased a large chunk of weapons and munitions from western nations in the last 10 years, Russia continues to be India’s largest supplier, accounting for 36 percent of arms imports.

Russia’s answer to India’s queries

Russia has said it will only be able to deliver the remaining two S 400 missile defense systems in 2026, which are of a Rs 40,000 crore Russia-India arms deal for five S-400 systems, signed in 2018. Moscow is facing tough sanctions from the United States in wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has military technology supply chain, thus adversely affecting its defense industry.

The sanctions have forced Russia to become dependent on China for these military technologies, which is a red flag as far as India is concerned.