Russia and India are holding talks over new deliveries of the S-400 missile defense system, according to Russian officials. The discussions highlight the long-standing defense partnership between the two nations.
Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told TASS news agency that negotiations are ongoing. “India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand cooperation in this area. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” he said.
India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to purchase five S-400 Triumf systems. The defense system is seen as crucial for India to counter regional threats, particularly from China. However, deliveries have faced repeated delays. The final two systems are now scheduled to arrive in 2026 and 2027.
During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Vladimir Putin. Modi emphasized that India and Russia have supported each other even during difficult times. Putin referred to Modi as his “dear friend,” reflecting the warm ties between both countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also praised India for resisting U.S. pressure to stop buying Russian resources. He said Moscow “appreciated” New Delhi’s independent stance.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia remains India’s top defense supplier, accounting for 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024. France followed with 33%, while Israel supplied 13%.
The talks signal that India may continue deepening its defense cooperation with Russia despite Western concerns. Analysts note that New Delhi views a strong partnership with Moscow as critical to maintaining its strategic balance in the region.
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