India's Relationship with Russia: Key Points to Consider

India and Russia have a long-standing relationship dating back to the Cold War era, with key cooperation in defense, oil, nuclear energy, and space exploration. However, the partnership has become complicated as Moscow builds closer ties with India’s main rival, China. India is trying to reduce its dependence on Russian arms and diversify its defense procurements, buying more from countries like the US, Israel, France, and Italy. India's oil purchases from Russia have risen sharply despite sanctions, and Russian oil now accounts for nearly 20% of India’s annual crude imports. India is also trying to develop into a defense manufacturing hub and has been acquiring new technologies and reducing reliance on imports, with bilateral defense trade with the US increasing from near-zero in 2008 to $15 billion in 2019.