India and Russia on Thursday resolved to further strengthen their long-standing defence partnership, with New Delhi expressing strong interest in procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems from Moscow to enhance its air defence capabilities.

The decision came during a high-level delegation meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov, held a day ahead of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night for summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Friday.

India Keen on More S-400 Units After Success in Operation Sindoor

During the meeting, India is understood to have conveyed its interest in acquiring additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, which proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor. India had earlier signed a USD 5 billion deal in 2018 to procure five S-400 units despite U.S. sanctions threats under CAATSA.

Three squadrons have already been delivered, while India is also exploring the possibility of procuring S-500 missile systems in future.

The Russian side is also learnt to have offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India, as New Delhi looks to expand its advanced combat aircraft fleet.

Talks Focus on Defence Production, Technology Sharing

Singh highlighted India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence production, asserting the country’s determination to strengthen manufacturing capacities for both domestic and export needs. He called for enhanced collaboration between India and Russia in niche and emerging defence technologies.

Both sides reaffirmed that the India–Russia relationship is built on a deep sense of trust, shared principles and mutual respect, the Ministry of Defence said.

Belousov assured that the Russian defence industry stands ready to support India in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence production, stressing the strategic and time-tested nature of bilateral ties.

‘A Key Factor in South Asian Balance’: Russia

Belousov said India–Russia relations hold a strategic character, and that cooperation between the two countries serves as a stabilising factor in the South Asian region. He also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to work with India on the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces on a full-scale basis.

Defence Partnership Growing Since 2000

Rajnath Singh noted that bilateral defence cooperation has grown significantly since the signing of the Strategic Partnership Declaration in 2000.

“Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, India–Russia defence cooperation continues to progress at a healthy pace,” he said.

Before the meeting, both ministers paid homage at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in New Delhi for a nearly 27-hour visit aimed at strengthening the eight-decade-long India–Russia strategic partnership. Putin’s visit—the first in four years—comes at a time of significant geopolitical churn, adding weight to the long-standing bilateral ties.

Modi received the Russian leader at Palam Airport, greeting him with a hug as artists performed traditional dances in honour of the visiting dignitary. From the airport, the two leaders travelled together in the Prime Minister’s car, mirroring their ride in Putin’s vehicle during the SCO Summit in Tianjin three months ago.

“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. India–Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefited our people,” Modi posted on social media.

Private Dinner Sets Tone for Summit

In the evening, the Prime Minister hosted a private dinner for Putin at his official residence, decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion. The informal interaction is expected to set the tone for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit on Friday, where both sides are likely to announce several agreements to further expand the partnership.

Defence cooperation, efforts to insulate bilateral trade from external pressure and collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors are expected to be the focus areas—issues that will be closely observed by Western nations.

Putin’s visit assumes added significance amid a rapid downturn in India–US relations, particularly on trade and strategic issues.

Packed Diplomatic Schedule

On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The leaders will then hold restricted and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, after which both will address a business gathering jointly organised by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam.

In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour. He is scheduled to depart New Delhi around 9 pm.

Energy, Trade and Defence Take Centre Stage

New Delhi is expected to raise concerns regarding the growing trade imbalance, driven largely by India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

In an interview released on Thursday, Putin defended India’s energy purchases from Russia, saying:

• Western criticism is politically motivated;
• The US itself continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel;
• India has every right to secure energy supplies in its national interest.

“Neither Prime Minister Modi nor I have ever approached our cooperation to work against anyone,” Putin said. “Our focus is on safeguarding the interests of both nations.”

He praised Modi’s leadership, calling him a decisive leader who “does not succumb to pressure easily.”

Defence Ties Deepen

Earlier in the day, India and Russia agreed to further enhance defence cooperation during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. New Delhi expressed strong interest in procuring additional S-400 missile systems to bolster India’s air defence capabilities.

Both sides reaffirmed that their defence partnership—spanning naval construction, missile development and aircraft engineering—is built on a “deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect.”

Putin emphasised that Russia is sharing defence technology with India, not merely selling it—an indicator, he said, of the exceptional level of trust between the two nations.