Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 11 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with defence, trade and economic cooperation expected to feature in the talks. The meeting comes as India-Russia ties remain anchored in a long-standing strategic partnership, even as New Delhi faces US pressure over its purchases of Russian oil.
India has not officially announced a decision to acquire the aircraft, although the Indian Air Force has shown interest in the Russian proposal. Payment mechanisms have also adapted to sanctions. Putin, meanwhile, has backed India against such pressure. The final approval will depend on cost negotiations and clearance from the finance ministry and Cabinet Committee on Security.
Peskov also said the proposed sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft to India would be on the agenda. Roubles and rupees now account for 96% of bilateral trade, with 22 Russian and 17 Indian banks servicing transactions, according to Reuters . The S-400 air defence system is a recent example. India is moving ahead with negotiations for five additional systems, with Russia sending a cost proposal, HT reported on September 5. The Su-57 could add another dimension.
In June, he said: “The US is trying to pressure India, including over cooperation with Russia, but it will resist such efforts. Peskov said its sale to India would be discussed during the Modi-Putin meeting. Putin had said in June that Moscow was open to deeper cooperation on the fifth-generation fighter and recalled that Russia had earlier proposed joint development with India.
