New Delhi: In a significant move underscoring the resilience of Indo-Russian strategic ties, discussions on the final delivery of the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system and the co-development of next-generation BrahMos missiles are expected to take centre stage at the upcoming meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
India had placed an order for five regiments of the S-400 surface-to-air missile system from Russia back in 2018 in a deal valued at approximately ₹20,000 crore. Four regiments have already been inducted into the Indian Armed Forces over the past few years, with the fifth and final regiment remaining under discussion as delivery timelines have faced delays due to geopolitical complications and logistical challenges.
The S-400 system, capable of engaging multiple aerial targets including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 kilometres, is regarded as one of the most advanced air defence platforms in the world. Its full induction across all five regiments is considered critical for India's layered air defence architecture, particularly along the northern borders facing potential threats from both Pakistan and China.
On the BrahMos front, the joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniye continues to be a flagship of defence cooperation. Next-generation variants under development include air-launched and submarine-launched BrahMos missiles with enhanced range and guidance capabilities. Sources suggest that accelerating production of these newer variants was also on the agenda, given India's growing missile inventory requirements.
Analysts note that despite India's diversification of defence sourcing in recent years — including deals with France, Israel, and the United States — Russia remains one of India's largest defence suppliers, and high-level diplomatic engagement continues to prioritise deepening this partnership.
