Russian military supply chains exploit Indian trade routes

The scale of the diversion is stark. Data indicates that between 2022 and 2025, the flow of sensitive goods originating in the UK and exported through India to Russia surged by 180% compared to the 2019-2021 period. Sweden and Switzerland saw even sharper spikes, with increases of 455% and 131% respectively. While European nations pursue closer trade ties with New Delhi, these supply chains increasingly serve as a conduit for dual-use technology essential to Russia’s aerospace and defense sectors.

Beyond physical shipments, Russia is deepening its foothold in India’s academic and research landscape. Since 2022, Russian and Indian institutions have maintained over 2,000 co-authored publications annually, with a focus on artificial intelligence. David Vigneault, Strider’s Chief Intelligence Officer, warns that these shared networks allow knowledge to flow as easily as hardware. He argues that while engagement with India is vital for economic growth, it necessitates a fundamental shift in corporate strategy. Businesses and governments must now embed rigorous supply chain due diligence and end-use monitoring into their commercial decisions to avoid unintentional exposure to state-sponsored sanctions evasion.