Russia is in discussions with India to supply additional S-400 Triumf air defense systems, a senior Russian official said on Tuesday, highlighting a possible expansion of one of the largest defense deals between the two countries.
Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told state-run media outlet TASS on Tuesday that Moscow was "open to further deliveries" of the long-range system if New Delhi moves ahead with a fresh order. Shugayev was quoted as saying, "India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage." India signed a $5.43 billion contract in 2018 for five S-400 units, of which three have been delivered and the final two are now scheduled to arrive by 2026 and 2027, following delays linked to the war in Ukraine and supply chain disruptions.
Indian officials have not confirmed the new negotiations, but multiple media outlets, including Reuters, Times of India, and India Today, reported that talks were raised on the sidelines of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed close defense ties. Putin also reportedly called Modi his 'dear friend' during the conversation.
The S-400 has become a centerpiece of India’s air defense network. The Indian government and analysts said the system played a key role during Operation Sindoor earlier this year, when India clashed with Pakistan along its western frontier. In August, Air Chief Marshal A.P Singh claimed that several Pakistani aircraft, including one large surveillance aircraft, likely an AWACs or ELINT platform, were shot down by India's S-400. He also claimed that the range at which the large Pakistani surveillance craft was taken down was a record 300km. While Pakistan has denied these claims and said that no aircraft were hit, military sources said the S-400s radar and missile envelope enabled long-range tracking and deterrence, including neutralizing drones fired in retaliation.
Any further purchases would likely draw scrutiny from Washington, which has pressed India to reduce dependence on Russian arms under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). India has so far balanced these pressures while maintaining its traditional defense relationship with Moscow, which still accounted for 36% of Indian arms imports between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). They remain a major supplier of arms to India, despite a pivot toward Western suppliers like France, or nations like Israel who hold a 33% and 13% share in India's imports respectively.
Analysts note the timing of Moscow’s overtures reflects wider shifts in the regional security environment. China is rapidly expanding its stealth fighter fleet, while Pakistan has shown interest in modernizing its forces to bolster its capabilities against India. Additional S-400 batteries would strengthen India’s layered air defense posture against these and other developments. Russia has affirmed its commitment to delivering the last two units of the original contract on schedule by 2026–27. Any follow-on deal would extend one of Moscow’s most lucrative defense exports and reinforce India’s strategy of balancing relations and retaining strategic autonomy.
Citations: Reuters, The Economic Times, India Today, Times of India, SIPRI
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