US trade deal won’t affect India’s defence ties with Russia, says Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

India’s defence engagement with Russia will continue unaffected by the US trade deal, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, underlining that New Delhi will maintain a diversified procurement strategy while accelerating indigenisation.

“The US trade deal doesn't impede our defence engagement with Russia,” Singh said.

He added that India will continue sourcing military equipment based on operational requirements. “We continue to procure from Russians and will continue to do so from the French, Americans — what is required,” he said.

Singh’s remarks signal continuity in India’s multi-aligned defence procurement approach, even as strategic and trade ties with Washington deepen.

At the same time, he stressed that boosting domestic manufacturing remains a priority.

“We would want to double down on indigenisation,” Singh said, reiterating the government’s focus on strengthening local defence production capacity.

India has in recent years sought to reduce import dependence through domestic manufacturing initiatives, while maintaining defence partnerships with a range of countries, including Russia, France and the United States.