Roscosmos, the Russian state space agency, is currently engaged in discussions with Indian officials regarding the potential sale and licensed production of its rocket engines in India. This move aims to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two nations in the space sector.

Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov stated that the primary objective is to finalize agreements for the sale and localized production of the engines. While specific contract details and timelines remain undisclosed, these discussions signal a potentially significant advancement in India-Russia space cooperation. According to Bakanov, an announcement regarding space cooperation would be made very soon. The plan encompasses multiple collaborative areas, including engine development, manned missions, orbital stations, personnel training, and rocket fuel.

This potential deal aligns with India's ongoing efforts to enhance its space capabilities and achieve self-reliance in critical space technologies. Historically, India has benefited from close cooperation with Russia, leveraging Russian expertise and technology to bolster its space program. This collaboration includes the USSR launching India's first satellites and Russia's provision of cryogenic engines for India's launch vehicles.

The discussions surrounding rocket engine sales also involve a proposed 100% transfer of technology for RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engines to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This transfer could be a game-changer for ISRO, potentially enabling heavier payloads to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and providing greater flexibility for complex mission designs and reusability experiments. The RD-191 is a high-performance, single-combustion chamber rocket engine that utilizes a kerosene and liquid oxygen mixture. Developed by Russia's NPO Energomash, the RD-191 series powers Russia's Angara rockets and is recognized as a reliable, high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine.

In addition to engine technology, India and Russia are also collaborating on the mutual deployment of ground stations for their respective navigation satellite systems, GLONASS and NavIC. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of both systems.

The collaboration extends to manned missions, including India's Gaganyaan program, with Russia providing support and training for Indian astronauts. Russia's Glavcosmos is providing commercial services to Gaganyaan.

Furthermore, Russia is developing a potential deep space mobility platform, the "Zeus" nuclear space tug, which could present opportunities for future collaboration with India in deep space exploration.

Roscosmos continues to be a major partner in the International Space Station (ISS). However, Roscosmos has announced plans to construct a new space station, the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS), with crewed missions potentially beginning in 2028.

The potential sale of rocket engines and technology transfer to India underscores the continued importance of the India-Russia space partnership. This collaboration not only benefits India's space program but also provides Russia with a valuable market for its space technologies.