India, Russia Discuss Expanding S-400 Missile Deliveries
Moscow/New Delhi – Russia and India are in talks to broaden their cooperation on air defense, with negotiations underway for additional deliveries of the advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system, according to senior Russian officials.
Dmitry Shugayev, who heads Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told state media that India is already operating the S-400 but both countries are now exploring new agreements. “India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” he said.
A $5.5 Billion Deal Facing Delays
India signed a $5.5 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five units of the S-400 Triumf, a long-range missile system seen as a critical shield against regional threats, particularly from China.
Although deliveries have been made, the process has faced repeated delays. The final two systems are expected to reach India in 2026 and 2027, completing the original order. The new discussions suggest New Delhi could secure additional systems beyond the initial deal.
Modi and Putin Highlight Close Partnership
The development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China this week.
During the talks, Putin referred to Modi as his “dear friend”, while the Indian leader stressed that India and Russia have always stood side by side, even in difficult times. The comments underscored the resilience of their long-standing strategic partnership.
Russia Appreciates India’s Independent Position
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also acknowledged India’s independent stance, noting that New Delhi had resisted pressure from Washington to curb purchases of Russian oil and other resources. “We appreciate that,” Lavrov said in his remarks published Wednesday.
Russia Still India’s Largest Arms Supplier
Despite India’s ongoing efforts to diversify its defense imports, Russia remains a cornerstone supplier. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia provided 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, compared with 33% from France and 13% from Israel.
The possible expansion of S-400 deliveries signals Moscow’s determination to maintain its defense partnership with New Delhi while reinforcing India’s air defense capabilities amid regional tensions.