Russia-India Relations: India-Russia to sign 25 Defence Deals, S-400 & -500 To Boost Strategic Deterrence

 For the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war began, President Vladimir Putin will visit India. According to sources, the Russian President will arrive in Delhi at 6:40 PM on Thursday and will stay at ITC Maurya. Soon after landing, he will meet PM Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence for a private dinner. On December 5, India and Russia will hold a high-level bilateral meeting, after which President Putin is expected to depart for Russia the same night. India is likely to sign 25 major defence agreements with Russia. These include deals for the S-400 and S-500 missile systems, Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, and Sukhoi-57 stealth fighters. The S-500 has an estimated range of 500–600 km and can engage targets up to 180–200 km in altitude, with the capability to intercept drones and fighter aircraft. If India finalises the S-500 deal, it could significantly strengthen strategic deterrence, especially with regard to China. India is also discussing the pending delivery of two S-400 squadrons and the possible purchase of five additional squadrons. Technology transfer and joint production are key topics of negotiation during the visit. Meanwhile, security has been intensified across Delhi. A special five-layer security cordon has been established for President Putin’s arrival. The outer layer includes NSG teams and Delhi Police personnel, while the inner ring will be managed by the Russian Presidential Security Service and NSG. Additionally, top NSG commandos, snipers, drones, and AI-based surveillance systems will be deployed during the Modi-Putin meeting.

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