Ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday delivered a strong pitch for Russia’s defence capabilities, highlighting both its increased production and key systems like the S-400 missile defence system and the Su-57 fighter jet.
In a special online media briefing organised by the international news agency Sputnik, Peskov confirmed that talks on the Su-57 fighter jet will be on the table when President Vladimir Putin arrives in India this week, but it warned that Moscow remains cautious of rivals attempting to disrupt the process.
“It is the best plane in the world, it is not an exaggeration. The issue of [Sukhoi] Su-57s will certainly be on the agenda during the coming visit. Let’s not get into details. There are many competitors in the world, and some of them do not always follow international law. Sometimes they do bad things to make unjust competition. But we stand for fair competition—and in a fair competition, it is hard to compete with us in this field.”
Dmitry at the briefing also underscored that defence cooperation with India is centred on co-development and high-technology sharing. This, he said, sets the partnership apart from conventional military trade and reflects a long-term vision of joint technological advancement.
Peskov said, “Our cooperation on defence industry, it’s not only production or just acts of buying and selling, its exchange of high technologies, know-hows and it really paves the way for a bright future in this area. We are developing quite a variety of very complicated systems and in this sense of course we have very imp capabilities and so we are experts in certain fields and our expertise has grown in last couple of years and we are ready to share this experience with India. I think this experience is of real value to India.”
Responding to questions about expectations surrounding Putin’s trip and India’s interest in additional S-400 units, Peskov said Russia’s defence industry had expanded significantly over the past four years.
Dmitry Peskov said, “The only thing I will say is that our military industry is working well, and during the last four years we have managed to enlarge production volumes to not only satisfy the needs of our military forces during their operation in Ukraine but also continue export operations. This would also be the case for India—we are interested in continuing cooperation in these various sensitive fields.”
Putin’s visit for the 23rd Annual Summit comes as India prepares to open talks on acquiring Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced missile-defence shield.
According to a Bloomberg report, New Delhi is expected to explore options for both the Su-57 and the S-500 system, further expanding a long-standing defence partnership that already includes S-400 units, Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29 production, T-90 tanks, stealth frigates, Kamov helicopters, and the jointly developed BrahMos missile and AK-203 rifle.
On the broader strategic relationship, Peskov stressed that Russia remains central to India’s energy security. “Russia continues to be a crucial energy supplier to India at competitive prices. And we have no doubt that this trade brings enormous benefits to India and is mutually beneficial at the same time,” he said.
Russia reaffirmed that energy security remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, supported by stable supplies, competitive pricing and long-term joint investments. Moscow also highlighted its central role in building India’s peaceful nuclear energy capabilities.
Peskov said, “Russia continues to be a very important supplier of energy sources to India on a competitive prices and we have no doubt that this trade is of a great benefit to India at the same time a mutual benefit. We exchange mutual, joint investments in this field and it makes this kind of corporation even more valuable for countries in terms of securing future of this corporation.”
On nuclear energy, he added, “We are deeply involved in creating a sector of peaceful ‘nuclear energy’ in India. ….We were hoping for continuation of this projects. It creates a sacred industry sector in India, we are taking part in educating them, in supplying India with technologists and so forth and therefore all of this is mutually beneficial.”
Peskov said that President Putin’s visit to India is expected to build on the momentum generated last year during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow, which involved extensive strategic discussions.
Peskov stated, “India for us is a great partner, and we hope President Putin’s visit will be successful as it was for PM Modi one year ago to Moscow. The PM and President had lots of hours together, discussing the most sensitive issues of the global and regional agenda. We hope it would be the same for the day after tomorrow. Looking forward for great success and press in both countries to cover this visit as widely as possible.”
India currently operates more than 200 Russian fighters and several S-400 systems, and the Indian Air Force has told the government that more advanced platforms will be needed to address squadron shortages. While talks on the Su-57 are expected to begin, officials say agreements are unlikely to be finalised during the visit.
As per reports, the possible acquisition of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter could mark a major shift in India’s air-power capabilities. With the Indian Air Force facing a steep squadron shortfall—operating around 30 squadrons against the sanctioned 42—and preparing to retire its ageing MiG-21 fleet, interest in the Su-57 reflects an urgent need to modernise amid rising regional pressures. China’s rapidly expanding air fleet, expected to cross 1,000 fighter jets by 2030, adds further urgency.
The proposal under discussion during President Vladimir Putin’s visit could significantly enhance India’s air dominance. The Su-57 brings advanced stealth features, sensor fusion, supercruise capabilities and a multirole configuration capable of carrying up to 14 weapons—filling a critical gap in the IAF’s operational profile.
A major attraction is the technology-transfer component, which includes potential local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nashik facility. More than just a purchase, the deal could open the door to co-production and deeper participation in manufacturing, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) agenda. It would not only help rebuild squadron strength but also support India’s own fifth-generation fighter ambitions, including the AMCA programme. Customisation options—such as a possible two-seat variant—add further appeal.
Economically, the Su-57 is seen as a cost-effective alternative to Western fifth-generation jets like the F-35, with lower estimated unit, operational and maintenance costs. Its compatibility with India’s existing infrastructure strengthens the case. Complementary systems, such as the S-500 missile defence platform, could deepen India-Russia defence ties and offer an integrated air-defence solution.
Equipped with long-range weapons like the R-37M, designed to target enemy airborne early-warning systems, the Su-57 could provide India with decisive advantages in any future conflict. Strategically, it promises new operational possibilities—deep-strike capability, suppression of enemy defences, and interception of high-value targets—while maintaining high sortie rates at manageable costs, a key requirement for sustained operations.
The potential deal also brings geopolitical implications, given Russia’s growing international isolation. India will need to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic autonomy.
Ultimately, the Su-57 proposal represents far more than the addition of a new fighter. It could accelerate India’s transition into fifth-generation air combat, strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, and reshape regional air-power dynamics.
If finalised, it would address current squadron shortages while laying the foundation for greater self-reliance in combat aviation—an increasingly vital priority in a volatile security environment.
