New Delhi: As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his high-profile visit to India, New Delhi and Moscow on Thursday reaffirmed their deep strategic and defence partnership. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation on advanced military technologies and accelerate joint defence production—sending a clear signal that Russia will continue to be India’s most dependable defence partner in the foreseeable future.

The move underscores a mutual commitment to strengthen weapons development, joint platforms, and long-term industrial collaboration despite persistent pressure from the U.S. and the European Union.

A Relationship Built on Trust and Mutual Respect

Ahead of the Modi–Putin summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov emphasized that the India–Russia relationship is rooted in “deep trust, shared principles and mutual respect.”
The two leaders signed a protocol outlining ongoing and potential new areas of military cooperation.

This marked the 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission on Defence Cooperation, reinforcing India’s message to the world: strategic autonomy remains non-negotiable.

Did India Discuss the S-500 Air Defence System?

Sources say that several major topics were on the table, including:

• Additional S-400 air defence system units
• A large stock of missiles
• Upgrades for India’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet
• Equipping Sukhoi jets with long-range R-37 and RVV-BD air-to-air missiles
• Joint production of upgraded BrahMos missiles
• Potential purchases of Pantsir and Verba air defence systems

However, Russia has indicated that supplying the S-500 ‘Prometey’, its most advanced air defence system, is not possible at this stage.
Russia also reiterated its proposal to offer the 5th-generation Su-57 fighter jet, though India has not yet taken a final decision.

Russia Promises Help in Making India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in Defence

Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s push under Atmanirbhar Bharat to enhance domestic defence manufacturing and exports.
In response, the Russian Defence Minister assured full support in helping India achieve self-reliance across critical defence sectors.

Delivery Delays Addressed: S-400 and Nuclear Submarine Timelines

Due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, several key supplies to India have faced delays—including:

• Two remaining S-400 squadrons
• The Akula-class nuclear submarine under an earlier agreement

Russia has now provided a new timeline:

• S-400 squadrons will be delivered next year
• The nuclear submarine will be handed over in 2028

India is also planning to procure five more S-400 squadrons in the future.
To replenish stocks used during recent border tensions with Pakistan, India has approved the purchase of 280 new missiles.

What Does the Indian Air Force Want?

The Indian Air Force is keen on equipping its Su-30MKI fleet with R-37 long-range missiles—a necessity after Pakistan deployed Chinese J-10 fighters armed with PL-15 missiles during Operation Sindoor.
This capability upgrade is seen as essential to maintain deterrence along the western front.

BrahMos: Range Extended, New Versions Coming

The BrahMos missile has already received a range upgrade to 450 km, with plans to extend it further to 800 km.
A lighter version, BrahMos-NG, is now under development for deployment on light combat aircraft.

The cumulative value of deals signed with BrahMos Aerospace—India and Russia’s joint missile venture—now exceeds ₹58,000 crore.
Today, BrahMos stands as one of the most trusted precision-strike weapons across all three Indian armed services.