India-Russia Ties: Focus on Drone Warfare, Tunnel Boring Machines and Aviation Trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited an exhibition at Bharat Mandapam showcasing India's cutting-edge science, indigenous defence technology, and space innovations. Accompanied by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, the leaders reviewed private optical SAR satellites built by IIT Madras innovators, battle-proven drone killers, counter-drone systems, advanced radars, and unmanned underwater submersibles. Experts discussed deepening bilateral collaboration across defence and civilian domains, noting the $100 billion bilateral trade target set for 2030. Key strategic areas of interest included potential cooperation in automobiles, critical minerals, and mass production of military and civil jet-powered drones to bolster operational capabilities and offset defence voids.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 45-minute bilateral meeting at Bharat Mandapam before touring the InnoProm exhibition together. The leaders arrived travelling in President Putin's armoured Aurus Senat limousine, a specialised vehicle built like a light tank. The exhibition highlighted major technological advancements alongside areas for bilateral cooperation, including tunnel boring machines, rare earth minerals, magnets, and fighter jet engine development. Discussions focused on advancing India's self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat across high-technology frontiers and defence manufacturing. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and senior delegation officials accompanied the two leaders during their visit across the pavilion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a 45-minute bilateral meeting before arriving together to visit an industrial and technology exhibition. The exhibition features cutting-edge science and technology from both India and Russia. Key Indian defense and technology systems on display include synthetic aperture radar satellites, tactical and integrated air defence radars, made-in-India drones, counter-drone systems, high-altitude clothing, and specialised nutrition for extreme climates. Russian equipment on display includes steel and tunnel boring machinery.

A discussion on India's bilateral and strategic ties highlights the historic and unique relationship between India and Russia, spanning decades from the Soviet era to current defence and energy partnerships. Key cooperation includes Russian assistance in India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine programme. The dialogue also addresses India's personality-driven diplomacy, navigation through global conflicts, supply chain weaponisation, and balancing relations with major powers including Russia, the United States, and China to achieve its development goals by 2047.