India is expected to begin discussions on buying more fighter jets and a missile shield system from Russia during President Vladimir Putin's visit this week, many sources familiar with the matter said.
India and Russia have a Special and Preferential Strategic Partnership. Under the framework of this relationship, the parties plan to discuss the purchase of Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced version of the S-500 missile defense shield.
A potential deal with Russia could complicate any trade deal with the US, which has opposed India's purchase of weapons from Russia.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained a long-standing relationship with Russia while pursuing a deeper relationship with the US in recent decades. India has reduced its over-reliance on Russian weapons by purchasing more weapons from the US and European countries. India has also spent nearly $30 billion buying US weapons over the past decade.
According to a report by the International Peace Research Institute Stockholm, an independent consultancy that tracks global arms sales, Russia remains India's largest military equipment supplier, despite a significant decline in purchases of Russian weapons for the past four years, as of 2024.
On November 28, Indian Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh said that defense cooperation between India and Russia is a long-standing relationship and India has no intention of stopping it in the near future. He said that India will continue to buy defense equipment from both Russia and the US.
India currently has more than 200 Russian fighter jets and some S-400 missile systems. The S-400 missile was used by India in action in the four-day conflict with Pakistan in May this year.
The Indian military is lacking fighter jets and has asked the government to buy more advanced Russian-made fighter jets to make up for the shortage, many sources familiar with the matter noted.
The proposal shows that the Indian Air Force, including pilots, will easily switch to the next-generation Russian aircraft. In addition, the Indian state-owned hindustan Aeronautics company is capable of maintaining and repairing a Russian-made fleet.
The long-range missile on the Russian Su-57 will strengthen the South Asian country's long-range combat capabilities, many sources pointed out.
However, negotiations to buy new Russian military equipment are unlikely to be finalized immediately during President Putin's visit, sources said.
President Vladimir Putin will visit India from December 4 to 5. He is expected to have a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a private meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The Kremlin said that a number of trade and intergovernmental documents will be signed during the visit.
President Putin's most recent visit to India was in December 2021.
