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India's Defence Ties With Russia Unaffected By US Trade Deal, Says Official

India's Defence Secretary has stated that the country's defence engagement with Russia will continue unaffected by the recently concluded US trade deal. He emphasized India's diversified procurement strategy, sourcing equipment from multiple global partners based on operational needs. Simultaneously, officials are doubling down on efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing and reduce import dependence. The new US-India trade agreement focuses on reducing tariff barriers and includes a major non-binding intent for Indian purchases of US energy and aircraft.

Key Points: India Says Russia Defence Ties Unaffected by US Trade Deal

  • Defence ties with Russia remain unchanged
  • Multi-aligned procurement strategy continues
  • Push to accelerate domestic defence manufacturing
  • US trade deal reduces tariffs on key Indian exports
  • India expresses intent for major US energy, aircraft purchases
2 min read

US trade deal won't affect India's defence ties with Russia, says Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh states India will continue defence procurement from Russia despite new US trade agreement, while pushing indigenisation.

"The US trade deal doesn't impede our defence engagement with Russia. - Rajesh Kumar Singh"

New Delhi, February 28

India's defence engagement with Russia will continue unaffected by the US trade deal, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, underlining that New Delhi will maintain a diversified procurement strategy while accelerating indigenisation.

"The US trade deal doesn't impede our defence engagement with Russia," Singh said at News18 Rising Bharat 2026

He added that India will continue sourcing military equipment based on operational requirements. "We continue to procure from Russians and will continue to do so from the French, Americans -- what is required," he said.

Singh's remarks signal continuity in India's multi-aligned defence procurement approach, even as strategic and trade ties with Washington deepen.

At the same time, he stressed that boosting domestic manufacturing remains a priority

We would want to double down on indigenisation," Singh said, reiterating the government's focus on strengthening local defence production capacity.

India has in recent years sought to reduce import dependence through domestic manufacturing initiatives, while maintaining defence partnerships with a range of countries, including Russia, France and the United States.

The India-US Interim Trade Agreement focuses on reducing tariff barriers while balancing India's domestic agricultural sensitivities with the US's demand for market access.

The US has agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from as high as 50% to 18%. This benefits Indian exports in textiles, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals.

India has expressed an "intent" (non-binding) to purchase $500 billion worth of US energy (LNG/Crude), aircraft (Boeing), technology, and coking coal over the next five years.

The US will grant duty-free access to Indian agricultural products such as spices, tea, coffee, mangoes, grapes, and cashews, potentially boosting Indian agri-exports, which reached $4.45 billion in 2024-25.

The US has agreed to lift the 25% penal duty previously imposed on Indian goods (linked to India's Russian oil purchases), provided India maintains its commitment to the new trade balance.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see India balancing relations so deftly. The trade deal benefits for textiles and agriculture sound significant. Good to see penal duties being lifted.
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Ananya R
Finally, a clear statement! We need to buy what works best for our soldiers, not what suits foreign policy of other nations. The focus on indigenisation is the most important part though. Make in India should be the ultimate goal.
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Vikram M
The $500 billion intent to purchase from the US is huge. Hope it's negotiated well and we get good tech transfer, not just finished products. Boeing and energy deals can be good if priced right.
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Karthik V
While I support diversified procurement, I have a respectful criticism. Our dependency on Russian spares has caused issues in the past. I hope this "continuity" comes with concrete plans to avoid future supply chain bottlenecks.
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Priya S
Good news for farmers and small industries! Duty-free access for mangoes, tea, and cashews? That's a big win. 🥭 The defence part is complex, but the trade deal seems balanced for our economy.

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