Discussions took place with Russia ranging from S-400 to BrahMos-NG, but will S-500 air defense system be discussed in the Modi-Putin meeting?

Putin In India: India and Russia India on Thursday agreed to further strengthen its comprehensive defense partnership. There were large-scale talks between the two countries regarding technical military cooperation, joint defense production and arms supply. Indications are clear that Russia will remain India’s largest arms supplier in the coming years, even if the pressure from America and European countries continues to increase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin Before the summit, an important meeting took place between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. During this, both the countries signed an official protocol on ‘existing and future areas’ related to defense cooperation. In the meeting, both sides reiterated that India-Russia defense relations are based on ‘deep trust, shared principles and mutual respect’.

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India expressed strategic independence amid pressure from America and Europe

In the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Military and Military-Technical Cooperation Commission meeting, India clearly indicated that it will not compromise on strategic autonomy, no matter how much pressure the US and the EU exert to distance themselves from Russia. India also clarified that its defense policy is based on national security priorities and not on global political pressures…

Long discussion on S-400, Sukhoi-30 and advanced missiles

Major defense deals and proposals discussed in the meeting include;

• Procurement of additional squadrons of S-400 Triumf air defense systems
• A large number of S-400 interceptor missiles
• Upgrade of Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets of Indian Air Force
• To equip them with R-37 and RVV-BD long-range air-to-air missiles.
• Pantsir Short-Range Air Defense System
• Verba Man-Portable Air Defense System
• Joint production of advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles

Currently brake on S-500 system

Although there was speculation about the S-500 air defense system, officials clarified, “At present it is difficult for Russia to supply a state-of-the-art system like the S-500, even if India shows interest in it.” Apart from this, Russia has also offered 5th generation Sukhoi-57 stealth fighter jets to India, but India has not yet taken a final decision on this.

Rajnath Singh’s emphasis on ‘self-reliant India’

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in the meeting that India is committed to rapidly increasing domestic defense production and defense export capacity under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Russian Defense Minister Belousov assured that Russia will give full support to India in becoming self-reliant in the defense sector.

India’s strictness on deliveries stuck due to Ukraine war

India took a strong stand on the delay of vital military equipment from Russia. These include the delivery of the remaining 2 S-400 squadrons out of 5 and the Akula-class nuclear attack submarine, which was to be received on a 10-year lease… According to sources, Russia has assured that the remaining S-400 squadrons will be received by 2026, while the nuclear submarine is now likely to be received in 2028.

India will buy 5 more S-400 squadrons

India is now planning to buy 5 new S-400 squadrons. The Defense Ministry has already approved the purchase of S-400 missiles worth ₹10,000 crore. These missiles will have interception ranges of 120km, 200km, 250km and 380km. This decision has been taken after the experiences of the recent military confrontation with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

R-37 missile will be the answer to Pakistani J-10 and PL-15

The Indian Air Force now wants to equip the Sukhoi-30MKI with the R-37 missile with a range of more than 200 km and its advanced variant RVV-BD. This step is being considered as a direct response to the threat posed by Pakistan from the use of Chinese J-10 fighter and PL-15 missile.

BrahMos-NG will increase India’s strike capability

The current strike range of BrahMos missile is 450 km. There is a plan to extend it to 800 km in future. Now India is developing light BrahMos-NG missile, so that it can be fired from light fighter aircraft also. So far, deals worth more than ₹ 58,000 crore have been signed with BrahMos Aerospace.

This defense dialogue between India and Russia clearly indicates that India is not going to back down from its strategic independence. Russia is still the biggest pillar of India’s military power. S-400, Sukhoi, BrahMos and long range missiles are going to increase India’s defense capability manifold in the coming years.