India’s Best Friends: Top Countries with Strong Ties 2025-26 - All New Updates India’s Best Friends: Top Countries with Strong Ties 2025-26 - All New Updates
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India’s Best Friends: Top Countries with Strong Ties 2025-26

Pradeep Bunkarby Pradeep Bunkar••1

India’s foreign policy emphasizes strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, meaning it builds strong relationships with various countries without being formally allied with any single bloc. However, several nations stand out for their strong diplomatic and military cooperation with India.

Here are some of India’s top “friend countries” with strong diplomatic and military ties:

1. Russia

Diplomatic: A time-tested relationship dating back to the Cold War India’s Best Friends. Russia has consistently supported India in international forums, including at the UN Security Council and different direct and indirect diplomatic channels.

Trade: While diversifying, Russia remains a significant trade partner, particularly in energy (oil imports) and defense equipment. Efforts are ongoing to expand non-defense trade, including in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and IT.

Military: Historically, Russia has been India’s largest and most reliable defense partner, supplying a significant portion of India’s military hardware (around 60%) and co-developing advanced technologies like the BrahMos missile. While India is diversifying its defense procurement, Russia remains a crucial supplier(Sukhoi 30MKI, Mig-29, S-400 etc).

2. France

Diplomatic: A consistent and dependable defense and diplomatic partner. France has supported India on various international matters, including its nuclear energy ambitions and position on Kashmir.

Trade: France is a key economic partner with growing trade and investment, particularly in sectors like aerospace, defense, energy, and smart cities.

Military: France is a significant military equipment provider to India (second largest after Russia). Cooperation extends to advanced aeronautical technologies (e.g., Rafale fighter jets, joint development of a combat aircraft engine) and submarine construction programs. Both countries collaborate closely on maritime security and counter-terrorism.

3. United States

Diplomatic: The relationship has evolved into a “Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.” The US supports India’s global aspirations, including a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific strategy (e.g., QUAD). Regular high-level dialogues and joint statements underline strong political convergence.

Trade: The US is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade steadily growing. It’s a significant destination for Indian exports and a major source of foreign direct investment. Both countries are working towards expanding trade and addressing trade barriers.

Military: Designated as a “Major Defense Partner,” India has access to a wide range of US military technology. There’s extensive defense cooperation, including joint exercises (like Malabar, Tiger Triumph), technology transfer, and agreements like LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) and COMCASA (Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement), enhancing interoperability.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Diplomatic: The relationship has transformed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marked by frequent high-level visits and strong political coordination on regional and global issues.

Trade: The UAE is one of India’s largest trading partners and a major source of investments, particularly after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade.

Military: While not a traditional military supplier in the same vein as Russia or the US, defense cooperation is growing, focusing on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

5. Japan

Diplomatic: A “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” based on shared democratic values and a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both are key members of the QUAD.

Trade: Japan is a major economic partner and investor in India’s infrastructure development (e.g., high-speed rail, industrial corridors). Bilateral trade is substantial and expanding.

Military: While Japan has a pacifist constitution, defense cooperation with India is significant, particularly through joint exercises (like Malabar) and dialogues focused on maritime security, defense equipment and technology cooperation, and regional stability.

6. Israel

Diplomatic: A rapidly expanding strategic partnership driven by mutual interests in defense, technology, and counter-terrorism. High-level visits are frequent, deepening bilateral understanding.

Trade: Trade is growing, particularly in high-tech sectors, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

Military: Israel has emerged as a crucial defense and security partner, providing advanced defense systems, surveillance technology, and intelligence cooperation. Joint ventures and technology transfers in the defense sector are a hallmark of this relationship.