Is Russia supplying RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for JF-17 fighter jets?

New Delhi: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Sunday dismissed reports claiming that Russia is supplying RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets.

In a post on X, Malviya emphasised, “No official confirmation. No credible source. Just another round of reckless information warfare -- and the Congress's communication head, yet again, choosing to side with the enemy instead of standing with India.”

He accused Congress leader Jairam Ramesh of spreading “reckless information warfare” by relying on a story published by a media outlet quoting a little-known website “notorious for pushing pro-Pakistan propaganda.”

Malviya’s post added, “Russia has dismissed reports of Moscow proceeding with the supply of RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets. Jairam Ramesh relied on a story published by NBT, which in turn quoted a little-known website notorious for pushing pro-Pakistan propaganda.”

What did Jairam Ramesh claim about the engine supply?

A day earlier, Ramesh had claimed that Russia, once considered India’s close ally, is reportedly supplying advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets.

He wrote on X, “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 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.”

Ramesh further said, “According to multiple news reports, this deal is moving forward despite direct interventions by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in June 2025. 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.”