New Delhi, Delhi
New Delhi: Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, discussions surrounding the Su-57 stealth fighter jet have intensified. Putin is expected to visit India to attend the BRICS Summit, and the potential sale of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft to India is reportedly among the issues likely to feature in the bilateral agenda. At the same time, discussions are reportedly underway on the possibility of sharing technology related to the advanced aircraft with India.
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia is in talks with New Delhi regarding the possibility of sharing Su-57 technology with India. However, no detailed information about a final technology-transfer agreement or its terms has been disclosed so far.
Su-57 Sale Reportedly on Putin’s Agenda
Speaking to Indian media during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the Su-57 as a major example of Russia’s advanced fighter-aircraft technology.
According to Peskov, the Su-57 is a highly advanced combat aircraft and among the world’s leading fighter jets. He said the potential sale of the aircraft is among the issues expected to be discussed during Putin’s visit to India.
The Russian statement comes at a time when India is focusing on modernizing the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities and developing fifth-generation fighter capabilities to meet future operational requirements.
Will India Get Su-57 Technology?
The key question is whether Russia will actually share Su-57 technology with India. According to the Kremlin’s statement, the two sides are discussing the issue. This indicates that technology sharing is under consideration, but it should not yet be viewed as a finalized agreement.
If the two countries reach an agreement on technological cooperation, it could represent a significant development for India’s defence sector. Such cooperation could potentially provide India with access to advanced fighter-aircraft technology and capabilities related to aircraft manufacturing.
However, it remains unclear how extensive any potential technology cooperation would be and what arrangements, if any, could be made for manufacturing the aircraft or producing certain components in India.
BrahMos and S-400 Also Likely to Be Discussed
Other important defence-related issues are also expected to feature during Putin’s visit to India. These reportedly include the BrahMos missile project and matters related to the delivery of the S-400 air defence system.
India and Russia have maintained a long-standing strategic defence partnership. The two countries continue to cooperate across several areas, including fighter aircraft, missile systems and air-defence platforms.
Russia’s latest statement regarding the Su-57 is particularly significant because fifth-generation stealth fighters are known for capabilities such as advanced sensors, reduced radar visibility and sophisticated avionics, which are considered important in modern aerial warfare.
All eyes are now on the discussions during Putin’s visit to India. If the two countries reach a concrete agreement on the sale of the Su-57 and technology cooperation, it could mark a significant new chapter in the India-Russia defence partnership.
