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New Delhi: India’s preparations to host Russian President Vladimir Putin this December have coincided with a surge in diplomatic activity focused firmly on defence cooperation. Officials on both sides say Moscow has presented one of its most consequential military proposals to India in years, a pitch that could transform the future of Indian air power if New Delhi decides to accept it.
Putin’s visit is expected to produce several headline defence announcements. The diplomatic build-up has been unusually intense. During a two day visit to Moscow, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met President Putin, held an extended round of talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and participated in SCO engagements.
Almost simultaneously in New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, considered one of Putin’s closest confidants, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to align priorities ahead of the summit. It was against this backdrop that Russia unveiled its unexpected proposal.
At the Dubai Airshow, Moscow stunned Indian officials by offering full licensed production of the Su 57 fifth generation stealth fighter in India, alongside complete and unrestricted transfer of technology. Indian officials have long noted that no Western nation has ever offered such deep access to advanced technologies.
A senior representative from Rosoboronexport said Russia intends to begin with the supply of Su 57E fighters manufactured in Russia before transitioning to complete production in India with full technology transfer. According to officials familiar with the conversations, Russia has indicated this will not be limited to assembling imported kits. Instead, Moscow has signalled that it is prepared to open the entire fifth generation ecosystem, including engines, sensors, avionics, stealth materials and other protected technologies.
The representative added that Russia is ready to share technology in areas such as fifth generation engines, optics, AESA radar, artificial intelligence, low signature design and advanced air delivered weapons. If implemented as stated, the proposal would allow India to independently build, operate and upgrade its own stealth fighter fleet, filling a gap that Western partners have repeatedly declined to address.
The timing is notable. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently warned that the Indian Air Force needs to induct between 35 and 40 fighter aircraft every year for the next twenty years to address critical squadron shortages. He has linked this to the long term manufacturing ambitions detailed in Roadmap 2047. While India continues to develop its indigenous AMCA platform, it is also evaluating foreign fifth generation options.
The offer from Russia arrives at a moment when New Delhi is weighing fundamental strategic choices about its future air combat capability.
Expectations surrounding Putin’s visit are correspondingly high. Officials anticipate developments on Su 57 collaboration, updates on remaining S 400 deliveries, possible discussion on S 500 cooperation, expansion of joint Su 30MKI and T 90 production and upgraded variants of the BrahMos missile.
The India Russia defence partnership has survived sanctions, shifting alliances and global conflicts. Yet this moment feels distinctly different. Moscow appears keen to usher in an era of genuine co-development rather than a conventional seller buyer relationship.
