S-400: India Plans to Buy Two More Missile Systems from Russia – Key Defence Talks Held

India is planning to purchase two additional squadrons of the S-400 missile defence systems from Russia. These systems have already proven effective during Operation Sindhu, where the S-400, along with indigenous defence systems, successfully countered potential threats, including attacks from Pakistan.

In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia to acquire five units of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems. However, due to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, the delivery of the final two units has been delayed.

During recent high-level talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Russia assured India that the remaining S-400 systems will be delivered by 2026–27. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China.

As part of efforts to revive and strengthen long-term defence cooperation, India has reportedly proposed the purchase of two more S-400 systems.

In addition, India is planning to upgrade around 260 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets to enhance their combat capabilities. The upgrade plan is expected to include advanced air-to-air missiles and other critical military hardware, with possibilities of joint production between India and Russia.