After a three-year hiatus, Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India again. His last visit was in December 2021. This time, on December 4-5, the 23rd India-Russia annual summit will be held. The world observes the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin, evident in instances like SCO meetings or their telephone conversations. Despite the Ukraine war, India has not distanced itself from Russia. During this visit, defense deals, especially the new S-400 missile system, are poised to be the major topic of discussion.
From 2009-2014: 72-76% of India's arms were from Russia.
From 2015-2019: It was 55%.
From 2020-2024: Only 36% (According to the SIPRI 2025 report).
Yet, today, 60-70% of our weapons are Russian.
While India has begun procuring arms from France (Rafale), the USA (Apache helicopters), and Israel (drones), the old ties with Russia remain unbroken.
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Source: aajtak
S-400 air defense systems (3 out of 5 received).
Su-30 MKI fighter jets (manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics).
T-90 tanks, Mig-29 upgrades.
BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (a joint India-Russia venture).
AK-203 assault rifles (factory launched in Amethi).
Kamov Ka-226 helicopters (to be produced in India).
Stealth frigates for the navy.
Previous deal: $5.43 billion for 5 regiments in 2018.
Received so far: 3 regiments (deployed in Ambala, Jodhpur, Sirsa).
Remaining 2: Expected by early to mid-2026.
New proposal: Russia offers 2-3 more regiments.
Source: aajtak
Indian company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will manufacture missiles.
Production of 48N6 missiles in India (approved in October 2025).
Half of the maintenance parts will be made in India.
Russian company Rostec has promised that there won't be any delays this time.
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In May 2025, amid India-Pakistan tensions...
S-400 in Adampur (Punjab) shot down a Pakistani aircraft 314 km away.
Tracked over 300 targets simultaneously.
Total of 7 Pakistani aircraft were downed (Confirmed by IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh).
Fully operational in just 5 minutes.
This is why the Indian Air Force calls it the Sudarshan Chakra, the strongest shield on the Pakistan and China borders.
Source: aajtak
Energy: Increased imports of affordable crude oil and LNG from Russia.
Nuclear power: New units at the Kudankulam plant.
Space: Russian support for Gaganyaan, GLONASS navigation.
Accelerating the development of BrahMos-2 hypersonic missile.
Proposal for a fifth-generation fighter jet (Su-57) – India is considering it.
Expediting the deal for 1 million AK-203 rifles.
Only Russia provides spare parts for older weapons, ensuring lower costs and greater reliability. While procuring new technologies from the US and France, the existing stock will last for 20-25 years. Russia always supports India, regardless of the pressure from the US.
Putin's visit is set to further bolster India's air defenses. More S-400s will be acquired, and they will be produced in India, pushing the dream of a self-reliant India one step forward. Both Pakistan and China will receive a clear message – India's security is uncompromising.
