Russia has confirmed that it is holding talks with India for the possible supply of more S-400 air defence systems. The move reflects stronger defence cooperation between the two countries, despite pressure from the West.
According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Dmitry Shugayev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said discussions are ongoing. He noted that India already operates the S-400 and that both sides are considering additional deliveries.
India first signed a $5.5 billion agreement with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 units. The system is designed to track and destroy multiple aerial threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 400 kilometres. Deliveries have faced repeated delays, with the final two units now expected in 2026 and 2027.
The talks gained momentum as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Both leaders reaffirmed their close ties, with Putin calling Modi a “dear friend” and Modi highlighting how the two nations have stood together in difficult times.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also praised India for resisting U.S. pressure to reduce purchases of Russian resources, saying Moscow appreciated New Delhi’s independent policy.
India continues to rely heavily on Russian defence exports. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows Russia supplied 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, followed by France with 33% and Israel with 13%.
The ongoing negotiations over more S-400 systems underscore India’s strategy of balancing global partnerships. While New Delhi works to expand defence ties with Western countries, it continues to depend on Moscow for advanced technology that supports its long-term security needs.
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