India plans to buy Russian Su-57 fighter jets and missile defense systems - Bloomberg
Photo: India plans to purchase Russian fighter jets despite US opposition (Getty Images)
India is set to discuss purchasing Russian fighter jets and missile defense systems during Russian leader Vladimir Putin's visit, reports Bloomberg.
"India plans to start discussions toward the purchase of Russian fighter jets and a missile defense shield," sources told Bloomberg.
India is expected to discuss purchasing Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced version of the S-500 missile defense system with Russia.
Bloomberg notes that a potential deal with Russia could complicate India’s trade relations with the US. The White House, in particular, is opposing India's purchase of weapons from Moscow.
Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that India's defense cooperation with Russia has been long-standing, and the country has no intention of ending it anytime soon. He added that India will continue to purchase defense equipment both from Russia and the US.
Russia-India partnership
India has suffered economic and trade setbacks due to its cooperation with Russia, particularly amid Russia's war in Ukraine and the sanctions pressure from the US and EU.
In 2025, the US increased tariffs on most Indian goods by 50%, citing India's close ties with Russia. These tariffs also included additional charges on purchases of Russian energy resources and weapons, which negatively affected Indian manufacturers targeting the American market.
As a result, India plans to cut its exports of Russian oil to the lowest level in three years by December 2025.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Indian energy giant Reliance Industries stopped importing Russian oil on November 20. Instead, the company began purchasing millions of barrels of oil from Middle Eastern countries and the United States following US sanctions against two Russian producers.
