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Russia has stated that it is “actively preparing” for President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India, which is expected to take place before the end of 2025. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told state media that Moscow hopes the visit will be a “meaningful” milestone in bilateral ties.
If confirmed, the trip will be Putin’s first to India since 2021, underscoring both nations’ intent to revitalise a strategic relationship built over two decades of defence and technology cooperation.
Focus on Next-Generation Platforms
Officials familiar with the preparations say the upcoming summit in December is likely to prioritise advanced military collaboration—particularly the Su-57E stealth fighter and the S-500 air-defence system.
Su-57E: A Leap Toward Fifth-Generation Production
A recent Russian technical assessment delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) concluded that India already possesses nearly half the industrial capacity needed to locally produce the Su-57E, the export version of Russia’s fifth-generation multirole fighter.
The evaluation team from the Sukhoi Design Bureau inspected HAL facilities in Nashik, Koraput, and Kasaragod, examining assembly, engine manufacture, and avionics production. The report highlighted India’s experience from two decades of Su-30MKI production and the sophistication of HAL’s electronics manufacturing base.
Moscow’s proposal envisions a co-production framework under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, potentially turning HAL into a regional hub for stealth aircraft components. For New Delhi, limited participation could provide vital exposure to stealth assembly and radar-absorbent technologies that feed directly into India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
S-400’s Combat Record Drives Push for the S-500
India’s interest in long-range air-defence platforms has been reinforced by the S-400 Triumf’s performance during Operation Sindoor. Sources in the Defence and Security establishment said the system proved decisive in establishing air superiority, detecting and neutralising multiple enemy aircraft during the early hours of the campaign.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh later described the S-400 as a “game-changer”, noting that it achieved one of the longest recorded surface-to-air kills—striking a target at roughly 300 kilometres. The Triumf’s radar precision and simultaneous multi-target engagement allowed the IAF to dominate the battlespace with minimal losses, officials said.
Building on this success, the Air Force has recommended exercising the follow-on clause in the 2018 contract for five additional S-400 units, or alternatively, moving toward the acquisition of the S-500 Prometey, a next-generation system capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic threats at ranges of up to 600 kilometres.
Wider Defence Cooperation on the Agenda
The two sides are also expected to review progress under the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The body met recently in New Delhi, reaffirming plans for joint research in radar and electronic-warfare systems, counter-drone technology, and precision-strike weapons.
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said Moscow views the Su-57E proposal as “a natural extension of our long-standing defence partnership”, reflecting a shift from the traditional buyer-seller model toward joint design and manufacturing.
Strategic Context
Putin’s visit comes amid shifting global alignments. While India has expanded engagement with Western partners, including the U.S. and France, more than half its defence inventory remains of Russian origin. For New Delhi, deeper cooperation with Moscow offers continued access to critical technologies while sustaining a balance among major powers.
For Russia, facing Western sanctions and limited export avenues, collaboration with India provides both a stable market and an industrial ally capable of shared production.
Huma Siddiqui
