The current situation in the world has become like a chessboard, where the equations are changing with every move. But amid all this, India is proving itself to be a superpower on every front. On one hand, while US President Donald Trump is continuously threatening India to increase tariffs, on the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a bumper offer to India to jointly build the world’s most advanced fighter jet. The kind of changes India is making in its indigenous military strength and defense budget have given sleepless nights to China and Pakistan. Donald Trump, who was showing his eyes to the whole world, is now repeating the talk of making big deals with India. In such a situation, the big question that arises is whether the dominance of America’s nuclear power is now shifting? Is the threat given to India now going to prove costly for Trump? Is this friendship between Russia and India a befitting reply to America’s arrogance? This strategic autonomy of India clearly shows that India is not going to come under the pressure of any foreign power.
From BrahMos to Sukhoi Su-57: New chapter of India-Russia friendship
The history of defense cooperation between India and Russia has been very old and unbroken, but now a page is going to be added to it which will change history. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered a very special defense gift to India. Putin has said in an open forum that he wants to develop the most dangerous fifth generation stealth fighter jet ‘Sukhoi Su-57’ with India. Let us tell you that even during the year 2017-18, there were long talks between the two countries regarding the Fifth Generation Fighter Jet Programme, but due to some technical and strategic reasons the talks could not be reached and India withdrew from this programme. After this, when this jet came to India for the ‘Aero India Air Show’ in February 2025, its discussions once again intensified. Russia was continuously offering this jet to India through both back channel and front channel, but now President Putin himself has given its official proposal.
Historic deal of 1996: When Sukhoi changed the fortunes of Indian Air Force
The first historic deal for Sukhoi aircraft between India and Russia was signed on 30 November 1996. At that time, this deal was worth about 1.462 billion US dollars (i.e. about Rs 7155 crore), which was considered to be India’s biggest defense deal at that time. Initially India was to get 50 aircraft, but later India demanded a customized version of ‘Sukhoi Su-30 MKI’ as per its needs. Between 1998 and 2000, the first consignment of this deadly aircraft reached India. After this, India continuously increased its orders and today the Indian Air Force has more than 270 Sukhoi aircraft, which are being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nashik. Currently, India also has its upgraded version ‘Super Sukhoi’, which is equipped with India’s indigenous ‘Virupaksha Radar’ and advanced digital system, which gives it the power of 4.5 plus generation.
Putin’s befitting reply to Trump, ballads sung in praise of PM Modi
At present India is the largest buyer of arms in the world. This is the reason why last year when PM Narendra Modi visited the White House, Donald Trump had offered India its most modern fighter jet F-35. But now Putin’s new Su-57 offer has raised Trump’s concerns to the next level. Immediately after Putin’s move, Trump also praised PM Modi and made it clear that he is desperate to make a deal with India at any cost. On one hand, Trump does politics of pressure and on the other hand he tries to create a balance by praising, but Putin is also a seasoned player of politics. Putin clearly said in his address that India is a very strong and independent country, which does not come under anyone’s pressure and takes its own decisions in its national interests. Putin gave full credit for India’s economic progress to PM Modi’s vision and the hard work of Indians. It is estimated that in the coming time, the mutual trade between India and Russia may cross 100 billion dollars.
Why is Sukhoi Su-57 so dangerous? Russia also ready for transfer of technology
While America has aircraft like F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, China has fifth generation fighter jet like J-20 Mighty Dragon, which is considered the most powerful in Asia-Pacific. But Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 is considered the father of them all. The biggest thing is that Russia has agreed not only to sell this aircraft to India, but also to do its complete ‘technology transfer’ and make it in India itself. Due to its amazing maneuverability and 3D thrust engine, Sukhoi Su-57 proves to be the most lethal in close combat i.e. one-on-one aerial combat. It can fly at a supercruise speed of Mach 1.3, which saves huge fuel and its maximum speed goes up to Mach 2. Its radar cross section is so low that it cannot be detected by enemy radar. It can track 60 targets simultaneously and fire 16 missiles at them simultaneously. It also has the amazing ability to carry hypersonic and cruise missiles.
What is the biggest religious crisis facing India now?
India is currently working rapidly on its indigenous fifth generation fighter jet ‘AMCA’, because India cannot depend on any other country forever. Russia has always supported India at every major international forum, from the United Nations (UN), while India also has commercial and strategic interests with America. In such a situation, amidst these great offers from Russia and America, India is taking steps very thoughtfully. The rule of geopolitics is that you do not want to offend either of the two superpowers. Although Trump’s tariff statements have definitely soured India-America relations a bit, there is no hostility like situation. Now the eyes of the whole world are on what final decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes on Putin’s mega offer of Sukhoi Su-57.
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