NEW DELHI: During the Ukraine invasion, all world nations have their eyes on Russia’s weapons in the battlefield. The Ukraine war has provided an opportunity for Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter, to demonstrate its weapons capability. Therefore, with the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, it is likely that more countries will strengthen ties with Moscow, with eyes on Russian weapons.

Russian weapon imports

India and China re the major importers of Russian arms. However, the irony is that both countries which maintain good ties with Russia, are using the weapons against each other in the border. Currently, Russia accounts for 19 percent of the world’s weapon export. It had been 24 percent until 2016. During the time, India had purchased large quantities of arms, mainly from the United States and France. This had caused a decline in Russia’s arms export. Around 90 percent of Russian weapons are exported to ten countries only. However, Russian arms enjoy huge global acceptance.

If we analyze the history of Russian weapon export, it can be understood that India has always been a major defence partner of Russia. Between 2016 and 2020, India had purchased arms worth 6.5 billion dollars from Russia, which accounts for about 19 percent of the Russian exports. China stands second with an import worth of 5.1 billion dollars. 49.3 percent of India’s overall weapon import comes from Russia. Meantime, Indian defense experts also share concerns that arms imports from Russia could be hampered during the height of the Ukraine war.

About 70% of India's military arsenal comprises of Russian weapons.Most of the warships used by the India Navy have Russian hands behind its construction. INS Vikramaditya, India's only operating aircraft carrier, is a modified Soviet-era ship. In addition, four of the Navy's 10 guided missile destroyers are Russian ships. The Indian Navy's nuclear submarine INS Chakra has also been leased from Russia.

There is no doubt that the strength of the Indian Air Force, just like the Indian Navy, lies in Russian weapons. Although Rafale has been acquired in the recent times, the MiGs and Sukhoi still remain the loyal ones. Apart from this, India also uses Russian-made Mi-17 and Mi-8 helicopters. The BrahMos cruise missiles, jointly developed by Russia and India, are the world's most coveted missiles. Numerous countries have approached India for these missiles. The recently purchased S400 systems from Russia have also arrived in the country.

India uses Russian weapons in the army as well. The Russian AK203 rifles are soon to be manufactured in India. Apart from all this, India is likely to have an eye on the weapons used by Russia in Ukraine. Through the war, countries have the advantage of checking the operational excellence of weapons and purchase it in future.