India and Russia are in talks for more supplies of the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, according to a senior Russian defence export official. Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told Russian news agency TASS that India already operates the S-400 and discussions are going on for additional deliveries.

Back in 2018, India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia to buy five S-400 Triumf systems. These advanced air defence systems are considered among the best in the world and can track and destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones. The deal was mainly aimed at strengthening India’s defences, especially against China’s growing military strength. However, the delivery has faced delays. Now, the last two systems are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently said that India stood firm against pressure from the United States, which had asked New Delhi to stop purchasing resources from Moscow. He added that Russia “appreciated” India’s independent stance on the matter.

Even though India has been buying more weapons from countries like France and Israel in recent years, Russia remains India’s biggest arms supplier. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2020 and 2024, Russia provided 36 per cent of India’s total weapons imports.

The India-Russia defence partnership goes back decades. Both countries have worked together on many important projects. Some key examples include licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI fighter jets in India, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, and the transfer of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (earlier known as Admiral Gorshkov). They are also producing AK-203 rifles in India and jointly developed the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

The S-400 has already proved useful for India. During Operation Sindoor in May, when India retaliated against Pakistan, the S-400 system reportedly played a major role by intercepting and destroying several incoming missiles. This has further shown why India continues to invest in the system despite delays and international pressure.