In a significant shift in South Asia’s defence landscape, both India and Pakistan are moving away from their traditional arms suppliers—Russia and the United States, respectively—signaling a new era of geopolitical realignment and strategic independence.
India, once heavily reliant on Russian military hardware, is gradually diversifying its defence imports and pushing for domestic manufacturing under its ‘Make in India’ initiative. Recent years have seen New Delhi turn to countries like France, Israel, and the United States for cutting-edge defence technology, including fighter jets, drones, and air defence systems. At the same time, India is investing heavily in indigenous production, aiming to reduce external dependence and enhance strategic autonomy.
On the other side, Pakistan appears to be distancing itself from its long-standing defence ties with the United States, a relationship that has cooled in recent years. Islamabad is increasingly leaning towards China and Turkey for its military needs, from aircraft and drones to naval ships and missile systems. This shift reflects not only changing alliances but also a response to Washington’s growing closeness with New Delhi.
The strategic pivots by both nations reflect a broader transformation in global defence alignments, influenced by emerging technologies, regional security dynamics, and evolving diplomatic ties. As India and Pakistan recalibrate their defence strategies, the moves could reshape the military balance and influence power equations across Asia.