Indian Air Force Vayu Shakti 2022 exercises postponed

The Indian Air Force Vayu Shakti 2022 triennial military exercise, scheduled to begin today, is postponed.

Last week, the government abstained from two UN draft resolutions that called for Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine. India receives 86% of its military hardware from Russia and is dependent on them for spare parts and regular equipment maintenance. Russia has been the largest arms supplier to India since the early 1970s but faces increasing threats due to the sanctions imposed by the West that affect Russian defense companies. Today’s postponement may be a result of the ongoing Russian sanctions.

Expect New Delhi to see significant delays of military hardware, including missile systems, frigates, and small arms since financial transactions with Moscow are normally valued in US dollars. India will likely continue refraining from taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as backing Russia would compromise an ongoing defense deal with Washington. The US-Indian relationship is unlikely to sour if they continue to abstain. India is purchasing S-400 missile systems from Russia, which the US once sanctioned NATO ally Turkey, for doing. Long-term, New Delhi will attempt to maintain close defense ties with Moscow while simultaneously transitioning to a self-reliant defense environment.