India, Russia talk S-400 delivery and fighter jet upgrades

India and Russia have discussed the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 air defence systems and upgrades to Su-30 fighter jets, alongside broader defence cooperation, during a key meeting at the SCO summit in China.

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks focused on strengthening military ties.

Topics included the delivery of the remaining S-400 Triumf missile system units, upgrades to India’s Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and the fast-tracking of critical military hardware procurement, according to an Indian Defence Ministry statement.

India signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 air defence system. While Russia delivered three of them starting in December 2021—now stationed along India’s borders with Pakistan and China—the final two, containing 118 missiles each, are due by 2027.

India, a long-time operator of Russian defence equipment, has used Su-30 jets since 1996 and is now pursuing upgrades to enhance their capabilities.

The Indian ministry noted the significance of the meeting, especially in light of recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, and emphasized the need to boost production of critical defense items.

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