India takes a Huge steps, says NO to Russia’s Su-57 Jets, S-500 Air Defense System, INS Tamal and S-400 likely to be…,Putin now plans to…
New Delhi: In a major development, India’s long-standing defense ties with Russia are likely to be ending soon. The Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Tamal – its last warship built in a Russian shipyard on July 1. This marks the end of decades of Moscow-built steel flowing into Indian waters.
During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Qingdao, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov to enhance bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries.
According to Sputnik, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense (RuMoD), Belousov told Rajnath Singh during their meeting, “India is an extremely important strategic partner for us, a traditional friend, and a collaborator in military and military-technical areas.” Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he and Belousov had “a practical discussion on promoting India-Russia defense relations.”
All you need to know about INS Tamal:
- INS Tamal is part of the Admiral Grigorovich-class
- INS Tamal will now patrol the Arabian Sea.
- It is stealthy, multi-role and formidable but also marks the end of an era when Russia was India’s most trusted arms partner.
- India has decided that all major naval ships will be built at home from now on.
S-400 Air Defence System:
It is important to note that the S-400 air defense system remains another crucial Russian asset still in the pipeline. India ordered five units. Three have arrived. The last two are expected next year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon. In preparation for the visit, Moscow has reportedly offered a range of high-value defence deals — including the Su-57 stealth fighter, the S-500 missile defence system, nuclear submarines on lease, and long-range Kalibr missiles. However, New Delhi appears reluctant to take the bait.
Notably, India has already said no to a joint helicopter production deal. No movement has followed Russia’s offer to lease another nuclear-powered submarine. And despite speculation after the recent India-Pakistan military standoff – where the S-400 performed exceptionally – there has been no momentum on acquiring additional S-400 units or upgrading to the S-500.
What’s unfolding behind closed doors? Indian officials seem to be not interested and looking inward. It is important to note that the country’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project — a homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet — is gaining pace. As a top-priority indigenous program, it has reduced the appeal of the Su-57 deal, even with the offer of technology transfer.
News