India sets stage for Su-57, S-500 talks as Putin arrives in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has upheld India's long-standing defence ties with Russia even as New Delhi has strengthened relations with the United States

India is set to open talks with Russia on potential purchases of next-generation Su-57 fighter jets and the S-500 air defence system during President Vladimir Putin's visit this week, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Despite continued pressure from Washington, New Delhi and Moscow maintain a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," and officials are expected to explore opportunities to expand military cooperation. According to Bloomberg's sources, the conversations will touch upon the Su-57 platform and an upgraded S-500 system, though no major deals are expected to be signed during the visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has upheld India's long-standing defence ties with Russia even as New Delhi has strengthened relations with the United States. Although India has diversified its arms imports in recent years by increasing purchases from the US and European suppliers, Russia remains its largest defence partner.

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows Russia continued to be India's top source of military equipment in the four years up to 2024, even as New Delhi's overall procurement from Moscow declined.

India currently fields more than 200 Russian-origin fighter aircraft and several S-400 air defence units, which were activated during tensions with Pakistan in May. With the Air Force facing an acute shortage of fighter squadrons, senior officers have urged the government to evaluate next-generation platforms from Russia.

Officials quoted by Bloomberg noted that Indian pilots would be able to adapt easily to the Su-57 because of their familiarity with Russian systems, and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has the capacity to support maintenance needs. The aircraft's long-range missiles would also enhance India's beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.

Separately, ANI reported that India will seek clarity on pending S-400 deliveries and broader defence cooperation during the Modi-Putin meeting. At ANI's National Security Summit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said the engagement will focus on overall defence collaboration rather than high-profile announcements.

While he indicated that additional S-400 units remain an option, Singh stressed that this visit is not expected to produce major agreements. He confirmed that Russia has assured India that outstanding S-400 deliveries will be completed in FY 2026-27.

New Delhi is also likely to press Moscow to speed up delayed programmes such as the Su-30 upgrade and other joint defence projects.

Though no new military contracts are expected to be finalised this week, defence partnership will remain central to India-Russia ties. Singh reiterated that India will continue to work with both Russia and the US on defence procurement.

Economic cooperation will also feature in the discussions. A large India-Russia Business Forum will take place on 4-5 December in New Delhi, aligning with Putin's visit, as both sides aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.