India to Pitch Mega Arms Deal with Russia
India is set to initiate talks with Russia regarding the acquisition of next-gen Su-57 fighter aircraft and the sophisticated S-500 missile defense system during President Vladimir Putin's visit this week, according to reports.
Regardless of Washington's influence, India and Russia uphold a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with New Delhi likely to consider enhancing military collaboration. The discussions will focus on the Su-57 fighter jets and an upgraded model of the S-500 defense system, but no agreement is anticipated during the trip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained the long-standing defence relationship with Russia while also enhancing strategic connections with the US in recent years. India has decreased its reliance on Russian weaponry by boosting purchases from the US and Europe, yet Moscow continues to be its largest arms provider.
A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that Russia remained India's primary supplier of military equipment over the four-year span concluding in 2024, despite a significant decline in total purchases during that period.
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India presently operates over 200 Russian fighter aircraft and has several S-400 air defense systems, which were utilized during the short conflict with Pakistan in May. Due to a shortage of combat aircraft in the Air Force, service leaders have urged the government to explore the purchase of next-generation fighters from Moscow.
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India will focus on enhanced defence collaboration and aim for clarification regarding the postponed shipment of the remaining S-400 batteries in the discussions between Putin and Modi.
Addressing National Security Summit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the discussions will center on the “wider aspects of defence collaboration” instead of attention-seeking declarations.
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Although discussions on new Russian military hardware are probably not going to wrap up during this week’s visit, defense relations are expected to stay a fundamental aspect of the connection. Singh emphasized that India plans to maintain its defense collaboration with Russia and will keep purchasing from both Moscow and Washington.