Amid ongoing global tensions across multiple flashpoints, India continues to balance its military partnerships with diverse global powers, signing separate defence contracts with the US and Russia on Friday.The Ministry of Defence said two contracts were signed — one with Russia for the procurement of Tunguska air defence missile systems and another with Boeing India for maintenance support of the Navy’s P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.The Rs 445-crore contract for the Tunguska air defence missile system was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, for the Army, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The system is expected to strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The deal is also seen as reinforcing the longstanding India-Russia defence partnership.Separately, a Rs 413-crore contract was signed with Boeing India Defence Private Ltd — a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing — for depot-level maintenance of the Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.The agreement will enable maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the P-8I fleet within India, aligning with the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative.