Putin-Modi Meeting to Discuss Defence Cooperation and Weapon Deals

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a three-day visit to India. He will attend the BRICS summit as well as hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence cooperation is going to be the most important issue in this meeting. India and Russia are likely to touch new heights in their long-standing military ties. S-400 missile systems, BrahMos-NG missile upgrade, upgrade of Su-30MKI fighter jets, and fifth-generation Su-57E fighter aircraft - these four major issues are at the center of discussions. Let's understand what deals can be made on these weapons and what they mean for India. India signed a $5.43 billion deal to buy five S-400 missile systems from Russia in 2018. Four of these systems have already arrived and are deployed. The fifth system is expected to arrive by November 2026. Putin-Modi meeting will discuss the timely delivery and maintenance of this last batch. Russia has proposed to buy five S-400 missile systems in addition to the replenishment and overhauling facility in India. India is also considering five additional S-400 missile systems.