India is preparing to open discussions with Russia for the purchase of next-generation Su-57 fighter jets and the advanced S-500 missile defence shield during President Vladimir Putin’s visit this week, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Despite Washington’s pressure, India and Russia maintain a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and New Delhi is expected to explore the possibility of expanding military cooperation. Bloomberg’s sources said the conversations will revolve around Su-57 fighter aircraft and a newer version of the S-500 defence system, although no agreement is expected during the visit.
Balancing Moscow and Washington
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently preserved the country’s decades-old defence relationship with Russia while also strengthening strategic ties with the US in recent years. India has reduced its heavy dependence on Russian weapons by increasing acquisitions from the US and Europe, but Moscow remains its biggest arms supplier.
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia was still India’s largest source of military hardware over the four-year period ending 2024, even though total purchases fell notably during that time.
India needs more fighter jets, Air Force backs Russian upgrade
India currently operates more than 200 Russian fighter jets and already possesses several S-400 air defence batteries, which were deployed during the brief conflict with Pakistan in May. With the Air Force short of combat aircraft, service chiefs have pushed the government to consider acquiring next-generation fighters from Moscow.
Officials quoted by Bloomberg said pilots would find the transition to the Su-57 smooth because of familiarity with Russian combat systems, while state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is capable of maintaining and servicing the expanded fleet. The Su-57’s long-range missiles would also give India added beyond-visual-range capability.
Focus on delivery delays during Putin visit
Sources told ANI that India will prioritise deeper defence cooperation and seek clarity on the delayed delivery of the remaining S-400 batteries during the Putin-Modi talks. Speaking at ANI’s National Security Summit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said the dialogue will focus on the “broader elements of defence cooperation” rather than headline-grabbing announcements.
“Additional S-400 systems are not off the table, but this meeting is not meant for major declarations,” Singh said. He added that Russia has now assured India that pending S-400 deliveries will be completed in the 2026–27 financial year.
India is also expected to push Moscow to accelerate other delayed programmes, including the Su-30 upgrade and several ongoing joint projects.
Defence partnership continues, but trade also in focus
While talks on fresh Russian military equipment are unlikely to conclude during this week’s visit, defence ties are set to remain a core pillar of the relationship. Singh reiterated that India does not intend to stop defence cooperation with Russia and will continue procuring from both Moscow and Washington.
Beyond security, economic ties will share space on the agenda. New Delhi will host a mega India-Russia Business Forum on 4 and 5 December, coinciding with Putin’s visit, as both nations target $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Inputs from agencies
