New Delhi (TDI): India plans to initiate discussions with Russia on two of its most ambitious defense acquisitions in years, with talks on fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets and the advanced S-500 missile defense system expected to make headlines during Putin’s visit to New Delhi this week.
The visit, which will take place on December 4-5, comes at a time of renewed strategic alignment between the two long-time partners as New Delhi signals its intent to deepen defense cooperation despite intensifying geopolitical pressure from the United States.
According to a Bloomberg report, India is preparing to begin formal negotiations for the Su-57 stealth fighter and upgraded Russian missile shield, potentially the S-500 Prometheus. The discussions will take place under the framework of the Indian-Russian Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The Indian Air Force, facing one its most severe fighter squadron shortages in decades, views the Su-57 as a critical platform to rebuild airpower and counter growing military pressure from China and Pakistan.
India currently operates 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, a shortfall compounded by the retirement of ageing MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich) fleets and delays in indigenous programs such as Tejas Mk2 and AMCA (advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
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A potential offer of technology transfer for the Su-57, including local production rights, is expected to be part of the negotiations, a move that would give India a major boost in domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Russia has signaled its willingness to expand joint production under the existing 2021-2031 Military Technical Cooperation Agreement, which guides long-term collaboration on weapons development and maintenance.
Alongside the Su-57, Indian officials will explore the possibility of adding the S-500 missile defense system to the industrial defense architecture.
The system, capable of countering ballistic missiles and some hypersonic threats, would build on India’s existing Russian-supplied S-400 batteries, which began induction in 2021.
60% of India’s current defense equipment is of Russian origin, ranging from Su-30MKI fighters to tanks, submarines and the jointly developed BrahMos missile.
Putin’s visit is expected to reaffirm the durability of this defense partnership even as both nations navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes.
For New Delhi, the upcoming talks represent not only major defense acquisitions but also a broader assertion of strategic autonomy at a time of sharpening global rivalries.
Tayyaba Arif
Tayyaba Arif is a student of International Relations, and takes keen interest in conflict reporting and the dynamics of regional and global affairs. She is especially committed to SDG 17, and believes in effective partnerships and promoting cooperative initiatives. She can be reached at tayyabarrif0@gmail.com
