Who is Abhay Kumar Singh, the Patna-born Russian 'MLA' advocating S-500 in New Delhi's arsenal

Abhay Kuamr Singh, who is a deputat, is a member of the United Russia party, led by Putin.

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Abhay Singh, a Bihar-born doctor-turned-politician who now serves as Deputat in the Kursk city legislature, said that New Delhi should seek the S-500 air-defence system from Moscow.

Singh told India Today India's existing S-400 batteries are "a very good missile system," but the S-500 represents "the latest technology".

“Even China hasn't got this system. I think India should work to get the S-500 missile system. It will be a great achievement for India. Sukhoi-57 is also very good," said Singh.

Who is Abhay Singh?

Singh, who is a deputat (akin to an MLA in India), is a member of the United Russia party, led by Putin. Singh, who originally hails from Patna, arrived in the Soviet Union in 1991 to study medicine.

In an interview to The Week in 2023, Singh said, “I am from Bihar; politics is in our DNA…There is a certain element of formality,” said Singh while adding that he holds a janta darbar (people’s court) every month. “Tonnes of people come,” he said. “I try to help everyone who comes.”

He is said to be actively involved in promoting regional development, infrastructure projects, and advocating for immigrant communities.

According to reports, it was after the collapse of the USSR that Singh first saw Putin and got inspired by him. He believes Putin has made Russia stronger and the country is 'at par' with the United States (US).

On defence cooperation between India and Russia,  Abhay Kumar Singh said, "The arms that have already been tested - be it planes, BrahMos; they are already tested in India. It was put to the test even in the recent Operation Sindoor. So, use the tested arms. Indian pilots are familiar with it. Russia is ready to share technology..."