NEW DELHI: India and Russia held high-level defence talks this week focusing on the supply of the advanced S-400 air defence missile systems, the modernization of India’s Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet, and the broader procurement of critical military hardware, according to an official statement issued by the Indian government on Friday.
The discussions were held between the defence ministers of both countries on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China on Thursday. The talks reflect the ongoing strategic defence partnership between the two nations, especially in light of India’s long-standing reliance on Russian military technology and equipment.
India has already received several units of the S-400 Triumf missile defence system under a multi-billion-dollar deal signed in 2018, but deliveries have been affected due to geopolitical tensions and logistical constraints. Upgrades to the aging Su-30MKI fighter jets—jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—are also part of India’s efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities.
Meanwhile, media reports have emerged claiming that a JF-17 Thunder, a fighter jet jointly developed by China and Pakistan, conducted a flight with the alleged aim of targeting India’s S-400 missile system. While official confirmation is lacking, such claims underscore the increasing military and strategic competition in the region.
The India-Russia meeting gains added significance in the current global and regional context, where defence cooperation is not only driven by procurement needs but also by shifting alliances, emerging threats, and the need for greater technological self-reliance.
