Russia has confirmed that it is in talks with India to supply additional S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, signalling deeper defence cooperation between the two long-time allies despite Western pressure.
According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Dmitry Shugayev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said discussions are ongoing.
“India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” Shugayev told reporters.
Existing deal and delivery delays
India signed a $5.5 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 systems to bolster its defence capabilities, particularly against China. Deliveries, however, have faced repeated delays, with the final two units now expected in 2026 and 2027.
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The advanced missile system is capable of tracking and striking multiple aerial threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.
Strengthening ties amid Western pressure
The renewed talks come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed close ties during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China this week. Putin referred to Modi as his “dear friend”, while Modi said India and Russia had stood “side by side even in difficult times”.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised New Delhi for resisting U.S. pressure to halt purchases of Russian resources, saying Moscow “appreciated” India’s independent stance.
India’s reliance on Russian defence exports
India remains one of Russia’s top arms buyers. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows Russia accounted for 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, followed closely by France (33%) and Israel (13%).
The ongoing negotiations highlight how New Delhi continues to balance strategic defence needs with its growing partnerships in the West, while maintaining longstanding military cooperation with Moscow.
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