India and Russia on Thursday resolved to further strengthen their long-standing defence partnership, with New Delhi expressing strong interest in procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems from Moscow to enhance its air defence capabilities.
The decision came during a high-level delegation meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov, held a day ahead of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night for summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Friday.
India Keen on More S-400 Units After Success in Operation Sindoor
During the meeting, India is understood to have conveyed its interest in acquiring additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, which proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor. India had earlier signed a USD 5 billion deal in 2018 to procure five S-400 units despite U.S. sanctions threats under CAATSA.
Three squadrons have already been delivered, while India is also exploring the possibility of procuring S-500 missile systems in future.
The Russian side is also learnt to have offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India, as New Delhi looks to expand its advanced combat aircraft fleet.
Talks Focus on Defence Production, Technology Sharing
Singh highlighted India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence production, asserting the country’s determination to strengthen manufacturing capacities for both domestic and export needs. He called for enhanced collaboration between India and Russia in niche and emerging defence technologies.
Both sides reaffirmed that the India–Russia relationship is built on a deep sense of trust, shared principles and mutual respect, the Ministry of Defence said.
Belousov assured that the Russian defence industry stands ready to support India in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence production, stressing the strategic and time-tested nature of bilateral ties.
‘A Key Factor in South Asian Balance’: Russia
Belousov said India–Russia relations hold a strategic character, and that cooperation between the two countries serves as a stabilising factor in the South Asian region. He also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to work with India on the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces on a full-scale basis.
Defence Partnership Growing Since 2000
Rajnath Singh noted that bilateral defence cooperation has grown significantly since the signing of the Strategic Partnership Declaration in 2000.
“Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, India–Russia defence cooperation continues to progress at a healthy pace,” he said.
Before the meeting, both ministers paid homage at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath.
