India is aiming to commence discussions regarding the procurement of Russian fighter jets and air defense systems during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit this week. This information comes from Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The news agency points out that these talks are set to proceed even though the “administration of President Donald Trump is keen to curb economic ties” between New Delhi and Moscow. Specifically, Washington opposes India’s acquisition of Russian weaponry.
“India and Russia proclaim a uniquely privileged strategic partnership, under which negotiations are anticipated concerning the purchase of Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced iteration of the S-500 missile defense systems,” the sources revealed.
According to them, the Indian military is currently facing a deficit of fighter aircraft. Consequently, the military is urging the government to acquire more modern Russian planes.
Indian Air Force pilots will find the transition to the next-generation Russian fighters straightforward, and the state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited possesses the capability to maintain them. Furthermore, the long-range missiles integrated into the Su-57 jets will afford India enhanced capabilities, the sources suggest.
Nevertheless, it is unlikely that negotiations for the acquisition of new Russian military hardware will reach finalization during Putin’s visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence of India have not yet provided comments on this reported information.
Russia remains India’s foremost supplier of military equipment, despite a notable decrease in purchases over the past four years, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute—an analytical center that monitors global arms sales.
Currently, India operates more than 200 Russian fighter jets and several batteries of S-400 systems. Bloomberg data indicates these assets were utilized during the four-day confrontation with Pakistan in May.
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