Putin India visit may focus on advanced defence procurement deals

New Delhi — Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for the BRICS summit is expected to provide an opportunity for high-level defence talks between Moscow and New Delhi, with several significant military procurement programmes likely to feature in discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Russian leader.

Among the key items anticipated to be discussed are the completion of pending S-400 air defence system deliveries and the provision of additional battery units. The S-400 systems have been a cornerstone of India's air defence modernisation programme, with multiple regiments already operationalised across the country.

Technological upgrades to existing platforms are also expected to form part of the agenda. These include an advanced variant upgrade to the Su-30MKI combat aircraft, colloquially referred to as the Super Sukhoi upgrade, which would enhance the capabilities of India's primary air superiority fighter. The BrahMos-NG hypersonic cruise missile upgrade is another area where joint development work may be advanced.

The procurement of Su-57E fighter jets, Russia's fifth-generation combat aircraft, could emerge as a significant talking point as India continues to evaluate options for next-generation fighter acquisitions. Such discussions would underscore the deepening defence and strategic partnership between the two nations, which has remained robust despite shifting geopolitical alignments.