Russia has confirmed that it is holding talks with India for the supply of additional S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, showing that the two countries are deepening their defence ties despite heavy pressure from the West.
According to Russian media, Dmitry Shugayev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said negotiations are underway. He explained that India already operates the S-400 system, and discussions are focused on expanding cooperation through new deliveries.
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India had earlier signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 units to strengthen its defence, particularly against China. Deliveries have been delayed several times, and the final two units are now expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027. The advanced missile system can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.
The talks were confirmed soon after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, where both leaders reaffirmed their close friendship. Russian officials praised India for maintaining an independent stance and resisting U.S. calls to cut defence and energy ties with Moscow.
India continues to rely heavily on Russian military exports. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia supplied 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, followed by France with 33% and Israel with 13%.
The fresh negotiations show how New Delhi is carefully balancing its growing defence partnerships with the West while keeping its traditional military cooperation with Moscow intact.
