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ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visitto India on December 5, 2025, after holding the 23rd India-Russia AnnualSummit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The leaders issued ajoint statement emphasising deeper strategic partnership and a renewedcommitment to reshape defence ties through joint research, development, andproduction of advanced military platforms under the Make in India framework.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over existing cooperation in areas suchas the BrahMos missile programme and licensed production of T-90 tanks andSu-30MKI aircraft. They agreed to expand collaboration into next-generationtechnologies, including artificial intelligence, hypersonic systems, andfifth-generation fighter capabilities. A new inter-governmental commissionwas announced to oversee joint ventures and technology transfer in thedefence sector over the next decade.
Discussions reportedly covered the possible co-development or co-productionof Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter and upgrades to India’s air defencenetwork, but no firm procurement contracts were signed for either the Su-57aircraft or the advanced S-500 air defence system. Indian officialsdescribed the talks as forward-looking and strategic, stressing long-termindigenisation over immediate off-the-shelf purchases.
Indian security and military analysts, however, expressed disappointment atthe absence of concrete big-ticket deals. Several retired officers anddefence experts noted that India had been evaluating the Su-57 for severalyears as a potential complement to its indigenous AMCA programme and todiversify from Western suppliers. The continued delay in acquiring theS-500, seen as a counter to regional ballistic missile threats, has alsodrawn criticism amid heightened border tensions.
The joint statement highlighted that both nations rejected unilateralsanctions as impediments to defence cooperation and reaffirmed theircommitment to a multi-polar world order. Trade targets were set at $100billion by 2030, with energy, nuclear power, and connectivity projectsreceiving renewed focus.
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Despite the warm rhetoric and multiple memoranda of understanding innon-defence fields, the summit concluded without the headline-grabbing armspackages that have traditionally marked high-level India-Russiaengagements. Analysts interpret the outcome as a reflection of India’sshifting procurement priorities toward self-reliance and diversifiedpartnerships, even as Russia remains a time-tested supplier accounting forover 60 percent of India’s current military inventory.
Source:https://tass.com/politics/1892345
Tags: India, Russia, Putin, Modi, Su-57, S-500, Defence
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