Denis Alipov warned that the global rise of India and China is irreversible and will continue despite external pressure.
He said U.S. sanctions on Russia and potential 100% tariffs on India for trading with Moscow will not alter Russia’s objectives.
Alipov highlighted BRICS discussions on alternatives to the U.S. dollar for trade and finance, noting 96% of Russia’s bilateral transactions use national currencies.
Russia positioned itself as India’s only reliable defence partner, offering co‑production and co‑development, including projects like the Su‑57 fighter.
Moscow is seeking to increase Indian exports, citing mangoes, textiles and industrial equipment as target goods.
💡 Why It Matters
The ambassador’s comments signal Moscow’s intent to reinforce its strategic partnership with India despite escalating U.S. sanctions. For India, the message underscores the availability of alternative financing and defence options outside the traditional Western framework, which could influence policy decisions on self‑reliance, trade diversification and geopolitical alignment.
Ambassador’s remarks at DEFCON 2026 On September 24, Russia’s ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, addressed the News18 DEFCON 2026 conference in New Delhi. He asserted that the worldwide trend of India emerging as a super‑power and China expanding its influence is irreversible, stating, “The global trend of India becoming a superpower and China acquiring more influence cannot be changed.”
Sanctions, tariffs and continued pressure Alipov referenced the latest U.S. sanctions on Russia, noting that they also empower President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 % on Indian goods that trade with Moscow. He downplayed the impact, saying Russia already endures over 30,000 sanctions and that “one more or one less doesn’t make sense.” He warned that further sanctions and new legislative acts are likely to continue.
BRICS and alternatives to the dollar The ambassador said BRICS nations are exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar, not to replace it outright but to facilitate transactions, trade, cooperation and finance in national currencies. He claimed that “almost 96 % of our transactions” with partners are already conducted in each other’s currencies, underscoring a shift away from dollar‑centric trade.
Defence cooperation as a cornerstone Alipov described Russia as India’s “only reliable defence partner,” recalling nearly three decades of joint development and manufacturing. He highlighted ongoing and prospective projects, including co‑production of the Su‑57 fighter, and stressed Russia’s willingness to support India’s self‑reliance agenda through supplies, co‑production and co‑development.
Expanding trade beyond defence Beyond military ties, the ambassador said Moscow aims to boost Indian exports to Russia. He cited mangoes, textiles, industrial equipment and other goods as sectors under discussion, signalling a broader economic outreach.
Outlook Alipov concluded that while pressure from the West will persist, the strategic partnership between Russia and India is set to deepen across defence, trade and financial mechanisms.
🏛️ Background & Context
India and Russia have a long‑standing defence relationship dating back to the Cold War, with joint projects such as the BrahMos missile. In recent years, India has pursued greater strategic autonomy, seeking alternatives to the U.S. dollar and expanding ties with BRICS members. The United States has intensified sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and has signalled willingness to penalise third‑party countries that continue trade with Moscow.
👁️ What To Watch Next
Watch for any U.S. moves to implement the threatened 100 % tariffs on Indian goods, further sanctions on Russia, and India’s response in trade policy. Monitor announcements of new defence co‑development projects, especially the Su‑57 collaboration, and any formal agreements on using national currencies for bilateral trade.
