India and Russia Strengthen Defense Cooperation Agreement

The third edition of AustraHind, a military exercise between India and Australia, is currently underway in Pune, focusing on enhancing cooperation between the two nations' armed forces. The exercise includes physical activities, combat scenarios, and cultural exchanges, culminating in a 48-hour validation exercise. Meanwhile, India has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia, which currently constitute nearly 40% of its total oil purchases, aimed at averting a global energy crisis amidst the Ukraine conflict. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India's relationship with Russia, arguing it benefits global stability. Additionally, India and Russia signed a defense agreement to develop advanced air defense systems, showcasing India's efforts to diversify its military capabilities while maintaining strategic ties with Moscow. This growing collaboration comes amid a backdrop of fluctuating military and economic ties between India and Russia, with bilateral trade surging post-Ukraine conflict sanctions.