Russia has submitted a proposal to India for the supply and local production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, Russian news agency TASS reported, citing a source in Moscow’s military-technical cooperation system. The source added that Russia will complete deliveries of five S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile systems to India by 2026.
Discussions are already underway for additional S-400 systems, as per Russian media reports earlier this month. “India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” TASS quoted Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, as saying.
New Delhi signed a $5.5 billion agreement with Moscow in 2018 for five S-400 systems, aimed at countering China’s growing military capabilities. However, the deal has faced repeated delays, with the final two units now scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Russia remains India’s biggest defence partner despite New Delhi diversifying its arms purchases. Between 2020 and 2024, Russia accounted for 36pc of India’s weapons imports, followed by France at 33pc and Israel at 13pc, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The two countries have a long history of defence collaboration, from licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI fighter jets to joint projects like the BrahMos missile system and AK-203 rifles. India also operates the Russian-supplied aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, as well as MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters.
Also Read: How India leveraged S-400 to beat Pak threat
During Operation Sindoor in May, the Indian armed forces successfully used the S-400 system to intercept incoming missiles from Pakistan, highlighting its role in India’s air defence shield.
On the political front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that India had resisted Western pressure to cut purchases of Russian resources. Moscow “appreciated” New Delhi’s stance, he was quoted as saying by news agencies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also reaffirmed close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China earlier this month. PM Modi told Putin that India and Russia stood “side by side even in difficult times,” after Putin described him as a “dear friend.”
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