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India and Russia are poised to accelerate several major defence projects as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his visiting Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, today, just hours before President Vladimir Putin arrives for a two-day state visit beginning December 4. The high-stakes engagement comes at a pivotal moment in bilateral military cooperation, with fresh movement on a nuclear submarine lease, air defence procurements, and a critical logistics pact.
Nuclear Submarine Lease Pushes Ahead
One of the most closely watched items on the agenda is India’s planned lease of a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) from Russia. The Akula/Chakra-class vessel, equipped with Indian-developed sensors and systems, is expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2028.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi confirmed at his annual press conference that India has requested an accelerated delivery schedule, underscoring the urgency of restoring nuclear submarine capability. India previously operated INS Chakra until 2022 and currently has no SSN in service, leaving a critical gap in its underwater deterrence.
The forthcoming talks are expected to push the programme toward final contractual closure and detailed execution timelines.
S-400 Progress, S-500 Interest, and Local Maintenance Hub
The Singh–Belousov meeting will also review the delivery of the remaining S-400 Triumf air defence systems. India has received three of five units; the remaining two are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.
Officials said New Delhi is evaluating the option of buying additional S-400 units and has conveyed interest in the next-generation S-500 system, which Moscow claims can counter ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats and high-altitude aircraft.
In a parallel step toward self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence has shortlisted an Indian company to establish a dedicated S-400 maintenance, repair and overhaul facility to reduce dependence on Russian technical support.
The S-400 has been formally woven into India’s security architecture under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at creating a multilayered shield around critical national assets.
Broader Defence Engagement: Shipbuilding, Aircraft, Joint Development
Beyond headline procurements, India and Russia continue to cooperate across shipbuilding, aircraft assembly, and joint weapons development. Momentum has risen through the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation, with expanded training, industrial partnerships and exercises such as INDRA-2025 and India’s planned participation in Russia’s Zapad-2025 drills.
India Reaffirms Strategic Autonomy
Responding to questions on U.S. concerns over India-Russia defence ties, Admiral Tripathi reiterated that India’s choices are guided by strategic autonomy.
“We work closely with all our partners,” he said, noting that India simultaneously operates platforms sourced from Russia, the U.S., Europe and the domestic industry, and conducts regular exercises with each.
Setting the Stage for the Next Phase
With Putin in Delhi today and defence ministerial-level talks underway, both sides are expected to take decisions that could shape the future of the defence partnership – from long-term submarine construction and advanced fighter technologies to new logistics corridors and joint production lines.
The visit marks one of the most consequential moments in recent India–Russia defence ties, as both nations recalibrate their cooperation amid shifting global strategic realities.
Huma Siddiqui
