North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his troops for assisting Russia in its war against Ukraine, highlighting their contributions during a meeting with military commanders. Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where they have suffered significant casualties. This collaboration aligns with growing ties between North Korea and Russia, including a mutual defense pact signed last year. As tensions in the region escalate, this deepening military partnership could pose strategic challenges for India and its defense posture, necessitating a careful assessment of potential threats and the need for strengthening its own military alliances to counterbalance such alliances.