India and the Soviet Union, and now Russia, have time-tested relations since India’s independence in 1947. In 1951, the USSR exercised its veto power on the Kashmir dispute in support of India. The Soviet Union declared its neutrality during the 1959 border dispute and the Sino-Indian War of October 1962, despite strong Chinese objections. TheContinue reading “Russia and India Exploring More Options for Make in India Defence”
Author Archives: Anil Chopra
Can Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon’ be an Interim Fifth-Generation Aircraft for India
China has recently unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets. Also, Pakistan has left the “cat-among-the-pigeons” by announcing plans to acquire 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China, marking the first export of Beijing’s fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. It could mean induction by around 2029. That will change the entire air dominance dynamics in the sub-continent.Continue reading “Can Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon’ be an Interim Fifth-Generation Aircraft for India”
Trump’s Board of Peace – Challenges and Opportunities India
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair initially proposed placing the Gaza Strip under international administration in August 2025. United States President Donald Trump presented a similar plan in late September 2025, which was partially accepted by both the Israeli government and Hamas the following month. Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” (BoP) was to be anContinue reading “Trump’s Board of Peace – Challenges and Opportunities India”
Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities
For many decades after independence, Indian Armed Forces imported military hardware from long-term friend and strategic ally Soviet Union and Russia. Also France became a significant source for military aviation supplies to India. From the 1990s, Israel, and since 2008, the United States (US) have also been important sources. India continues to be one ofContinue reading “Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities”
The Evolving Great Game in Arctic – Strategic Implications
The still less explored Arctic region is known to be a rich repository of unexploited natural resources, especially gas and oil and marine life. It has also for long been considered as the next great-power flash point. Russia remained a dominant power. But with NATO expanding northward, Russia was forced to greatly increase its militaryContinue reading “The Evolving Great Game in Arctic – Strategic Implications”
Pahalgam Attack Global Condemnation – India Unfolding Punishing Response
The gruesome massacre of innocent holiday makers at Pahalgam, killing at least 28 people and injuring several others, has been condemned by all major world leaders including US President Trump and Russian President Putin. Israel has shown solidarity. That it happened at a time when US Vice President JD Vance was in India, indicates theContinue reading “Pahalgam Attack Global Condemnation – India Unfolding Punishing Response”
Pakistan Suspending Shimla Agreement –Advantage India?
Pakistan-backed terrorists killed nearly 28 innocent holidaymakers at Pahalgam on 22 April in a Hamas-style terror attack. Links to Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Pakistan Army were established early. Indian masses were angered and sought appropriate revenge. A slew of measures were announced by the Indian Government. India put the 1960 Indus Water TreatyContinue reading “Pakistan Suspending Shimla Agreement –Advantage India?”
Russia Pushed into Chinese Arms – Implications for India
Russia and China are two giant neighbours that occupy the largest landmass of Asia. Traditionally they have been two antagonist societies but often chose marriage of convenience. Their relations in the post-World War II era have been vacillating between extremes. By literally nudging Russia to invade Ukraine, and then confronting it strongly, the West pushedContinue reading “Russia Pushed into Chinese Arms – Implications for India”
In a world of ‘might is right’: Could Japan, South Korea go nuclear?
Ukraine voluntarily renounced its vast Soviet-era nuclear arsenal after independence, transferring all nuclear warheads to Russia by 1996 in exchange for security assurances via the 1994 Budapest Memorandum from the US, UK, and Russia, but now deeply regrets this decision following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion, which it calls broken promises.Continue reading “In a world of ‘might is right’: Could Japan, South Korea go nuclear?”
Mediterranean QUAD: Will India Join 3+1 Grouping To Counter “Islamic NATO”? Can UAE Join In Amid Saudi Rift? OPED
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to visit the Indian capital, New Delhi, amid flaring tensions in the Middle East. In Iran, the United States is mulling an attack on the Islamic Republic amid raging protests in the country and possibly even removing the Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, from power. TensionsContinue reading “Mediterranean QUAD: Will India Join 3+1 Grouping To Counter “Islamic NATO”? Can UAE Join In Amid Saudi Rift? OPED”
Air Power Asia 