Russia has announced that it is in talks with India over the possible supply of additional S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, a move that signals stronger defence ties between the two long-standing allies despite pressure from the West.
Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed the discussions in comments reported by state-run TASS. “India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” he said.
India originally signed a $5.5 billion deal in 2018 for five S-400 systems to enhance its air defence, especially against China. Delivery of the systems has been repeatedly delayed, with the final two now scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The S-400 is capable of tracking and engaging multiple aerial threats — including aircraft and ballistic missiles — at distances of up to 400 kilometres.
The renewed talks follow a warm meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China. Both leaders praised the resilience of their partnership, with Putin calling Modi a “dear friend” and Modi highlighting how the two nations have stood together through difficult times. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also applauded India for resisting U.S. pressure to reduce its reliance on Russian resources.
India remains one of Moscow’s biggest defence customers. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that Russia supplied 36% of India’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, with France and Israel providing 33% and 13% respectively. The S-400 negotiations underline how New Delhi continues to balance its long-standing military ties with Russia while deepening relations with Western partners.
