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Russia has dismissed reports claiming it is supplying RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for the JF-17 Thunder Block III jets, calling such claims “illogical”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP Photo)
Russia has dismissed reports and said there was no confirmation on whether it is providing RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, a report with WION suggested on Saturday.
Quoting a Russian source, the report said Russia has dismissed reports of Moscow proceeding with the supply of RD-93MA engines to Pakistan.
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“No confirmation on such a development. It looks illogical for serious and professional observers, who trace big deals ahead between Russia and India,” it quoted the source as saying.
“Don’t have such a level of cooperation with Pakistan, which would make India feel uncomfortable,” it added.
“Someone trying to compromise exceptionally promising and forward-looking cooperation, especially on the eve of high and highest level contacts,” it said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Congress attacked the BJP over media reports claiming that Russia was to provide military support to Pakistan by supplying engines of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets.
The Congress called the reports “a failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personalised brand of diplomacy”, and demanded answers.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh alleged that PM Modi’s diplomacy prioritises image-building and global spectacle over national interests.
In a post on X, he said the government “must explain why Russia – once India’s most reliable strategic ally – has chosen to ignore New Delhi’s appeals and proceed with supplying advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets.”
“The latest Block III variant of this aircraft will feature the upgraded engine and the same PL-15 missiles believed to have been used against our country during Operation Sindoor. The IAF Chief has also stated that the JF-17 may be among the Pakistani fighters that were used against us,” he claimed.
Ramesh said, according to multiple news reports, this deal is moving forward despite direct interventions by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in June.
“The government owes the nation an explanation as to why a long-time and trusted partner like Russia is now providing military support to Pakistan, even as India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiates for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow,” he said, citing a news report.
“This development underscores yet another failure of Prime Minister Modi’s personalised brand of diplomacy, which prioritises image-building and global spectacle over national interests,” the Congress leader added.
“Years of high-profile summits, choreographed photo opportunities with hugs, and grandstanding on the world stage have failed to yield substantive outcomes,” he claimed.
Ramesh alleged that India remains unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan.
The Modi government must explain why Russia – once India’s most reliable strategic ally – has chosen to ignore New Delhi’s appeals and proceed with supplying advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The latest Block III variant of this…— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 4, 2025
PUTIN PRAISES PM MODI
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to devise measures, including purchasing more agricultural products and medicines from India, to soften the trade imbalance with New Delhi, which is due to the heavy import of crude by the country.
Speaking at the Valdai plenary session, Putin also said that he was looking forward to his trip to India in early December and meeting with his “friend” and “reliable partner Prime Minister Modi.”
Putin, who will travel to India in early December for an annual summit, lauded India’s nationalist government led by PM Modi, calling him a “balanced, wise,” and “nationally oriented” leader.
Putin said he feels comfortable in their trustworthy interactions.
When asked about the US threat to impose high tariffs and sanctions on Russia’s key partners, Putin said the Indian people will not tolerate their country being bullied into making a decision that contradicts their national interests and priorities, RT news channel reported.
“(India) will never allow itself to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions,” he said.
“The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,” Putin added.
His remarks came as he referred to the additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on New Delhi as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the US to 50 per cent.
ALSO READ | ‘If Russia Is A Paper Tiger, Then What Is NATO?’: Putin Responds To Trump’s Remarks
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 05, 2025, 08:05 IST
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