Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a three-day visit. During this visit, he will participate in the BRICS summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A key focus of these negotiations will be defense cooperation, as there is potential to elevate long-term military ties between India and Russia to a new level.
Four main issues were at the center of the meeting: the S-400 air defense system, the modernization of the BrahMos-NG missile, the upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters, and the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter. The parties are discussing the possible details of these deals and their significance for India.
India previously signed an agreement with Russia in 2018 to purchase five S-400 systems worth $5.43 billion. Four of these systems have already been delivered and are in operation. The fifth system is expected to be delivered by November 2026. The meeting between Putin and Modi plans to discuss the timely delivery of this last batch, as well as maintenance issues. Furthermore, Russia has offered to establish repair, maintenance, and overhaul capabilities in India.
India is also considering the purchase of an additional five squadrons of S-400 systems. Russia has put forward a proposal for this amounting to about 50,000 crore rupees. The additional systems could double India's air defense capabilities in both western and eastern directions. The S-400 system is capable of shooting down aircraft, missiles, and drones over long distances, and its effectiveness was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, which will strengthen India's multi-layered defense system.
BrahMos is a joint project of India and Russia and is among the fastest hypersonic cruise missiles in the world. Currently, both countries are working on its next generation—BrahMos-NG. This new version is significantly lighter than the existing one, weighing about 1.3 tons. Its range exceeds 400 kilometers, and its speed reaches 4322 km/h. Due to its compact size, many such missiles can be installed on aircraft like Tejas and MiG-29. There is a high probability that the development, joint production, and modernization of BrahMos-NG will be discussed during Putin's visit. Russia emphasized that it is time to make the missile even more advanced and powerful, which is critically important for India as it increases the strike potential on air, land, and sea platforms. High demand for BrahMos-NG on export markets is also expected.
The Indian Air Force operates about 260 Su-30MKI fighters, which are considered the backbone of the aviation force. A major plan is currently being discussed to modernize them to the 'Super Suhoj' configuration. The estimated cost of this project exceeds $11 billion. The modernization will include the installation of new radars, improved avionics, modern weapon systems, and long-range missiles. The upgrade process will be phased, allowing for the extension of the service life of older aircraft and ensuring their ability to cope with modern threats for the next few years. Since India is focusing on developing its own potential, this upgrade will also aim to increase the participation of Indian companies. An agreement on advancing this project may be reached during the meeting between Putin and Modi.
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter produced by Russia. India has long been working on its own medium-class fifth-generation fighter, but this project is still far off. In light of growing capabilities in stealth technology from China and Pakistan, India needs temporary solutions. Russia has offered India the sale of the Su-57E (export version), as well as joint production and technology transfer within India, including access to full technology. By starting with the purchase of a limited number of aircraft and then moving to local production, India can close its stealth gap. Negotiations are underway regarding sensitive technologies such as radars, engines, and weapons integration. The realization of this deal will open a new chapter in defense relations between India and Russia.
Significance of the Deals for India
The goal of all these agreements is to bring India's military power in line with modern threats. The S-400 system will strengthen air defense, BrahMos-NG will increase striking power, the Su-30MKI modernization will extend the useful life of the existing fleet, and the Su-57E will help meet future needs. Moreover, given India's emphasis on 'Make in India' concepts and self-reliance, proposals related to technology transfer and joint production are the most attractive. Russia, in turn, is interested in increasing its defense exports and deepening its partnership with a reliable ally like India. This meeting within the BRICS summit may influence not only bilateral relations but also the regional security balance.