India May Discuss Su-57 Fighter Jets, S-500 Missile Shield With Russia During Putin’s Visit: Defence Talks Back in Focus

India is expected to open high-level defence discussions with Russia this week, with next-generation Su-57 fighter jets and the advanced S-500 missile defence system likely to feature prominently during President Vladimir Putin’s visit, according to a Bloomberg report citing officials familiar with the matter.

Although no immediate agreement is expected, New Delhi is preparing to explore deeper military collaborations with Moscow—despite increasing US pressure to limit defence ties. India and Russia continue to share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with defence cooperation remaining one of its strongest pillars.

🇮🇳 Balancing Russia and the US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained India’s long-standing defence ties with Russia while simultaneously strengthening strategic relations with the United States.

Key points:

• Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier
• Purchases from Russia have declined in recent years
• India has diversified acquisitions from the US, France, and Europe

Yet, data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute confirms that Russia remains India’s top defence partner over the four years leading up to 2024.

✈️ Why India Is Eyeing the Su-57

India currently operates over 200 Russian-origin fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. With the Indian Air Force facing a shortfall in combat squadrons, the service leadership has shown interest in the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Advantages noted by Indian officials:

• Indian pilots are already familiar with Russian combat systems
• HAL can maintain and service the fleet domestically
• Su-57 offers long-range missile capability and advanced stealth features

India already fields several S-400 air defence systems, deployed during past border tensions, and is assessing the feasibility of acquiring the newer S-500.

🛡️ Focus on Delayed Deliveries

According to ANI, India will use the Putin-Modi talks to seek clarity on pending S-400 battery deliveries, which were delayed due to the Russia–Ukraine war.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said:

• The meeting will emphasize “broader defence cooperation”
• No major defence announcements are expected
• Russia has assured that all pending S-400 units will be delivered by FY 2026–27

India is also likely to push Russia on:

• The delayed Su-30 upgrade project
• Several pending joint defence programmes

🌐 Defence Ties Stay Strong, Trade Also on Agenda

While India is unlikely to finalize new big-ticket defence purchases this week, officials confirm that cooperation with Moscow will continue. New Delhi will keep balancing relations between Russia and the US without ending procurement from either side.

On the economic front, India and Russia are preparing for the India–Russia Business Forum on December 4–5, targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.