Moscow : Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd Annual Summit, marking his first visit since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war and India’s Operation Sindoor. India and Russia are expected to explore renewed collaboration on a range of defence projects during the summit, including the offer by Moscow to supply two to three additional S-400 regiments to the Indian Air Force.
The historical trust and interoperability between the two militaries continue to play a crucial role in shaping India’s defence preparedness. The talks will also address the need for timely deliveries and maintenance support, which have become increasingly important given the evolving regional security environment. India’s approach to defence acquisitions has shifted due to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, prioritising domestic defence manufacturing.
76 percent of India’s arms imports came from Russia in 2009, but this figure dropped to 36 per cent in 2024. The trend reflects India’s intention to diversify its defence partners, including France and the US, while still maintaining joint projects with Russia such as the S-400, BrahMos cruise missile, and T-90 tanks. The joint development of the BrahMos missile and AK-203 assault rifle further underscores the depth of cooperation between the two nations. Operation Sindoor in May highlighted the operational success of the S-400, known in India as the “Sudarshan Chakra”.
An S-400 unit based in Adampur reportedly shot down a Pakistani aircraft at 314 km, and the Indian Air Force confirmed that the system neutralised seven Pakistani aircraft and tracked over 300 airborne targets simultaneously. Russia’s defence firm Rostec has already initiated preliminary talks for a new S-400 contract and has assured New Delhi that future deliveries will strictly adhere to the committed timeline seen as essential after earlier delays caused by the Ukraine conflict.
A notable aspect of the new proposal is Russia’s readiness to offer up to 50 per cent technology transfer for the S-400 missiles and supporting systems. This could enable Indian companies, such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), to participate in local assembly and expedite production of the 48N6 missile, approved in October. Nearly half of the S-400 support ecosystem could be indigenised, aiming to reduce costs and foster domestic defence capabilities.
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