New Delhi is set to host a significant meeting between the Defence Ministers of India and Russia on December 4, 2025, as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit. The focal point of the discussions is expected to be the potential acquisition of the S-500 air defense system, along with a review of ongoing defense cooperation and exploration of new avenues for partnership.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will engage in talks with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, to discuss a wide range of military and strategic issues. These discussions will likely encompass the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 air defense systems that India has already purchased from Russia. Furthermore, the possibility of acquiring additional S-400 units may also be explored.
The S-500 system is a next-generation Russian missile defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges up to 600 km and airborne targets up to 400 km. Russia has been marketing the S-500 to India since 2021, with some officials suggesting India could be the first foreign recipient of the system. However, according to Defense Express, India has shown no current interest in purchasing the newer S-500 system. One reason may be the lack of verifiable combat performance data for the S-500, while the S-400 has seen operational use, particularly in India's border tensions.
In addition to air defense systems, the ministers are also expected to discuss cooperation in shipbuilding and jointly developed weapons systems, areas both sides are keen to strengthen. Identifying new projects for co-development will also be on the agenda. Russia is reportedly preparing to offer India unprecedented levels of localization in defense exports, including licensed production and transfer of critical manufacturing know-how.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of bolstering India's national security architecture through initiatives like the 'Sudarshan Chakra Mission'. This mission aims to create an impenetrable protective wall around key national, industrial, and public sector assets. The S-400 system has already been officially designated as the 'Sudarshan Chakra' within the Indian services, highlighting its strategic significance. India is also looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, as the weapons proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor. To replenish the inventory used in Operation Sindoor, India's defence ministry is expected to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to purchase around 300 missiles for Indian S-400 air defense systems.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, during which President Putin will meet with Prime Minister Modi to review bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues. This will be Putin's first visit to India since December 2021. The talks are expected to cover a range of topics, including energy, defense, trade, and investment.
