India is set to initiate high-stakes discussions with Russia for the acquisition of advanced fighter aircraft and a missile defense system during President Vladimir Putin's visit this week. This move comes despite efforts by the United States to curb defense dealings between New Delhi and Moscow.
Strategic Partnership Drives Major Arms Talks
According to sources familiar with the private discussions, the talks will leverage the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The potential deals on the table include the purchase of Russia's next-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets and an advanced version of the S-500 missile defense shield. These negotiations highlight India's intent to maintain its decades-old defense relationship with Russia, even as it deepens strategic links with the United States.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently nurtured the longstanding ties with Moscow. Over recent decades, India has diversified its arms suppliers, reducing its once overwhelming reliance on Russian hardware by acquiring more equipment from the US and European nations. However, Moscow remains India's largest supplier of military hardware, as confirmed by a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which noted a significant drop in purchases over the four years ending in 2024.
Operational Needs and Strategic Balancing Act
The push for new Russian equipment is driven by immediate operational requirements. The Indian Air Force, which operates over 200 Russian fighter jets, is reportedly short on combat aircraft. Officials have proposed buying more Russian-made advanced jets to bridge this capability gap. Sources indicate that the transition to jets like the Su-57 would be smoother for Indian pilots and technicians, given their extensive experience with Russian platforms. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is already adept at servicing and maintaining the Russian-made fleet.
Furthermore, the long-range missiles on the Su-57 jets are seen as providing the Indian Air Force with enhanced visual range capabilities. India has already deployed several batteries of the S-400 air defense system, which were utilized during a four-day conflict with Pakistan in May.
Navigating US Pressure and Future Deals
This potential agreement with Russia could complicate ongoing and future trade negotiations with the United States. The US administration has repeatedly pushed back against India's major weapons purchases from Moscow, viewing them as counter to its strategic interests. Despite this pressure, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated unequivocally on Friday that India's defense cooperation with Russia is long-standing and will not cease anytime soon. He affirmed that India will continue to procure defense equipment from both Russia and the US.
While discussions are set to begin during President Putin's visit, sources suggest that a final agreement on the new military equipment is unlikely to be concluded this week. The talks represent a careful balancing act for New Delhi as it seeks to modernize its military while navigating the complex geopolitics of its relationships with two major global powers.
India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment sent after office hours.
