India and Russia on Thursday agreed to expand their bilateral defence cooperation, with New Delhi indicating strong interest in procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems to further strengthen its combat capabilities.

The decision came during high-level delegation talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, held a day before the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the discussions, Singh highlighted India’s focus on strengthening its indigenous defence industry, both for domestic requirements and exports, while identifying new avenues for collaboration in niche and advanced defence technologies. Both sides reaffirmed that the India–Russia partnership continues to rest on a “deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect”, according to the Ministry of Defence.

India is understood to have conveyed interest in acquiring additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, which proved effective during Operation Sindoor. India had signed a USD 5 billion agreement in 2018 to purchase five S-400 units, despite the risk of US sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Three squadrons have already been delivered.

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With the system’s proven performance, India is also considering the acquisition of Russia’s S-500 next-generation missile defence system. Additionally, Moscow is said to have offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, as India continues to evaluate options for future combat aviation requirements.

The meeting was held under the framework of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). Earlier in the day, Singh and Belousov paid their respects at the National War Memorial.

Russian Defence Minister

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov underscored the enduring and “time-proven friendship” between the two nations during the 22nd IRIGC–M&MTC ministerial session in New Delhi.

“As you just said, our countries are tied with a solid, time-proven friendship, which is based on mutual respect. And on our way here, while we were in the car discussing various things, we came to the common ground that we are binded with a very deep tradition, which are very typical for the Russian and Indian nations,” he said.

Belousov expressed appreciation for India’s warm hospitality.

“I sincerely glad to meet you once again on Indian soil. We are grateful for the hospitality shown to us from the first minutes of stay in Delhi,” he remarked.

Highlighting the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship, he noted its importance for stability in South Asia and globally.

“This year we mark 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, and I personally thank Indian delegation for the participation in the solemn activities, which were organised in Moscow in May this year. Our bilateral relations have a strategic character, and the partnership with India is a key factor for the balance in South Asian region and the global stability in general,” he added.

Belousov also congratulated India on Navy Day, emphasising Moscow’s full-spectrum cooperation in the development of India’s armed forces.

“Russia actively cooperates in full scale with India in formation of the new outlook of the Army, Air Force, and the Navy. And using this opportunity, let me congratulate you, the command, and all Indian sailors with the National Navy Day,” he said.

He further stressed the significance of the intergovernmental commission in shaping effective defence collaboration.

“Distinguished Minister, the intergovernmental commission on military and military-technical cooperation brings the huge dedication in taking part in taking effective and mutually beneficial decisions in the military domain. Today we sum up its work and define the new tasks for the future,” he stated.

Indian Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated that Russia continues to be India’s strategic partner in defence and technology, despite regional and global geopolitical shifts.

“Russia is India's strategic partner in technology and defence. Our relationship has been maintained despite geopolitical developments. Our Prime Minister and President Putin have been in regular contact at the apex level. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June 2025, both leaders held extensive interactions,” Singh said at the ministerial meeting held at the Manekshaw Centre.

He noted India’s anticipation of President Putin’s arrival for the 23rd Annual Summit.

“We were also eagerly awaiting the visit of His Excellency, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which has been fulfilled today. I believe this Leaders' Summit will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Partnership between our two countries,” he said.

Singh also welcomed the momentum in bilateral economic cooperation.

“We welcome the successful holding of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow last month, and the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union,” he stated.

The IRIGC-M&MTC session saw extensive discussions on defence contracts, licensed production, and technology transfer, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of the India–Russia defence partnership.