Russian President Vladimir Putin began a two-day visit to India on Thursday, aiming to strengthen defense ties as New Delhi faces increasing U.S. pressure to halt purchases of Russian oil.
اضافة اعلان
Accompanying Putin, on his first visit to India since the start of the war in Ukraine, is Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Media reports indicate that a fighter jet deal may also be discussed.
Putin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for a private dinner, followed by a summit and working session the next day.
Alongside defense matters, trade relations between the two countries are expected to be on the agenda, with New Delhi taking a cautious approach. While reliant on strategic Russian imports, India seeks to avoid angering U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing negotiations over tariffs.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the supply of advanced Russian S-400 air defense systems holds “an important place on the agenda.”
India currently possesses three S-400 units and is awaiting delivery of two more under a 2018 agreement, which was delayed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions.
Indian media reports suggest that Moscow may also propose joint production of Russian Su-57 fighter jets.
India is one of the world’s largest arms importers, with Russia historically a major supplier. However, in recent years, New Delhi has sought to expand domestic production. Russia’s share of India’s arms imports dropped from 76% between 2009–2013 to 36% between 2019–2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
– AFP
