Defence
Putin’s India Trip to Feature Su-57 Pitch, New Defense Collaborations
Putin’s upcoming trip to India could seal a Su-57 fighter jet agreement and deepen strategic defense ties between New Delhi and Moscow.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in 2025, with discussions likely to focus on deepening defense cooperation. A key highlight of the agenda is Russia’s renewed pitch for the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
The Su-57 made its debut appearance at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru (February 10–14), showcasing advanced stealth avionics, integration with hypersonic weapons, and cutting-edge combat capabilities. Russia’s offer to India reportedly includes:
- Immediate delivery of 20–30 Su-57s
- Full technology transfer and co-production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Make in India initiative
- Access to the jet’s source code to enable integration of Indian systems such as Astra missiles and the Virupaksha AESA radar
- An interim supply of Su-35 fighter jets to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) squadron shortage — currently 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42
The proposal comes amid India’s rejection of the U.S. F-35 offer due to trade tensions, high costs, and limited technology transfer. Strategically, the Su-57 deal would align India more closely with Russia, strengthening its position against regional threats from China and Pakistan.
However, there are challenges. India remains committed to its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program — still a decade or more from production due to technological hurdles, particularly in achieving full fifth-generation capabilities. Past concerns about the Su-57’s stealth performance and cost-effectiveness, which led to India’s withdrawal from a joint development project in 2018, may also temper enthusiasm.
Given the IAF’s urgent need to replenish fighter strength, the Su-57 offer could be a timely solution. Meanwhile, India continues to upgrade its Tejas fighter jets and modernize its Sukhoi-30MKI fleet with advanced avionics and weapons.
Putin’s visit could also pave the way for new air defense collaborations. Following India’s purchase of the S-400 system, discussions may include the S-500 and co-development opportunities, including upgrades to the Akash missile system, which has demonstrated war-proven capabilities. There is even speculation about possible future Indian defense exports to Russia.
If finalized, the Su-57 deal could mark a major shift in India’s defense procurement strategy, potentially affecting U.S.-India defense ties and limiting certain American defense imports.
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