Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of India, states at News18 Rising Bharat 2026 that sourcing from Russia, France and the United States will continue based on operational needs alongside push for indigenisation
India’s defence procurement from Russia will continue despite the US trade deal, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, reaffirming New Delhi’s diversified sourcing strategy. Speaking at News18 Rising Bharat 2026, Singh clarified that the trade agreement with Washington does not interfere with India’s defence partnerships. “The US trade deal doesn’t impede our defence engagement with Russia,” Singh said. He added that procurement decisions would remain guided by operational requirements. “We continue to procure from Russians and will continue to do so from the French, Americans what is required,” he said.
The remarks underline continuity in India’s multi aligned defence sourcing approach even as economic and strategic ties with the United States deepen. At the same time, Singh emphasised that strengthening domestic defence manufacturing remains a priority. “We would want to double down on indigenisation,” he said, reiterating the government’s focus on expanding local defence production capacity. India has in recent years sought to reduce import dependence through domestic manufacturing initiatives, while maintaining defence partnerships with Russia, France and the United States.
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