India’s increased partnerships with Russia come against the backdrop of Russia’s growing reliance on North Korea and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to support the war in Ukraine.
Russia is reportedly localizing Garpiya drone production in the PRC, and PRC-origin drone components have been critical in Russia’s efforts to adapt its drones to gain battlefield advantages.
North Korea has reportedly started mass production of short range FPV drones and medium range strike drones in North Korea, possibly to provide to Russia in the future, and has provided Russia with soldiers, artillery shells, and missiles.
Russia is also reportedly relying on North Korea for migrant workers, including to work at Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) in the Republic of Tatarstan to produce Shahed-type drones.
North Korea, in turn, is also receiving direct combat experience operating drones in exchange for its materiel, manpower, and labor support.
