India, Russia Deepen Defence Ties S-400 Deliveries and Su-30MKI Upgrades in Focus

In a significant bilateral engagement on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov to review and advance ongoing India-Russian defence cooperation.

Held in the strategic context of Operation Sindoor and heightened regional security concerns, the meeting yielded key outcomes, including assurances on the timely supply of S-400 air defence systems, upgrades to Su-30MKI fighter jets, and the expedited procurement of critical military hardware.

The two leaders held detailed discussions covering a wide range of issues, including the current geopolitical environment, cross-border terrorism, and the need to strengthen the defence-industrial partnership between India and Russia. Minister Belousov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its “time-tested strategic partnership” with India and expressed solidarity with New Delhi over the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, condemning it as a “horrendous and cowardly act.”

The meeting comes amid increasing demand for modernisation of air platforms, advanced air-to-air missile systems, and enhanced air defence capabilities, elements seen as vital in light of the evolving regional security dynamics. With Operation Sindoor necessitating greater indigenous defence preparedness and reliable external support, the Indo-Russian defence dialogue has gained renewed urgency.

India and Russia have been long-standing defence partners, with cooperation spanning decades and involving key platforms such as the Su-30MKI, INS Vikramaditya, T-90 tanks, and the BrahMos missile system. The Su-30MKI upgrade program is expected to include enhancements in avionics, radar systems, and weapons integration, aligning with India's emphasis on advanced, combat-ready platforms.

The ministers also discussed expanding collaboration in defence manufacturing, including co-production and co-development initiatives, in line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The focus remains on securing uninterrupted supplies of critical components and ensuring resilience in joint production amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.