Executives from leading Indian arms manufacturers, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, participated in significant meetings in Russia to explore potential joint ventures, marking the first high-level industrial visit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s strategy to shift its long-standing defense relationship with Russia towards joint weapon development, although it poses challenges for collaborations with Western firms. The discussions coincided with an Indian defense delegation’s visit, aimed at preparing for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming trip to India. The ongoing reliance on Russian military technology, which comprises approximately 36% of India’s arsenal, complicates India’s ambitions to position itself as a global arms manufacturing hub amidst Western hesitance over sensitive technology transfers.