India's emergence as a trusted defence partner is not just political rhetoric but a reflection of concrete achievements. Over the past decade, New Delhi has diversified its defence relationships, moving beyond traditional reliance on Russia to deeper ties with the US, France, and Australia. Joint exercises like Malabar and Garuda have built interoperability and personal trust among military personnel. India has also demonstrated its manufacturing capabilities by delivering BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and radars to Armenia, meeting contractual deadlines. The government's emphasis on 'ease of doing business' has attracted global defence firms like Boeing and Dassault to set up maintenance and repair centres. Furthermore, India's neutral stance in global conflicts allows it to offer defence equipment without political strings, a key advantage. Partners see India as a stable democracy with a strong legal framework, reducing risks of supply disruptions. The Make in India push ensures that production is transparent and quality is controlled. This trust is essential for long-term strategic partnerships that can counterbalance China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. By continuing to invest in indigenous research and meeting global standards, India can become a preferred supplier for many nations.
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Supporting India's growing defence credibility: why global partners trust New Delhi
Published July 26, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC