Russia has dismissed reports that it is supplying its latest RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for use in the JF-17 Block III fighter, calling such speculation “illogical” given Moscow’s deep strategic partnership with India. The denial comes amid attempts by some quarters to portray the rumoured deal as a potential setback for New Delhi ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to India later this year.

According to Russian officials and experts, no such decision has been taken to export the upgraded RD-93MA, a modernised derivative of the MiG-29’s RD-33 engine, to Pakistan. Moscow’s defence industry insiders have termed the reports a “political distraction” aimed at undermining the credibility of the long-standing India–Russia defence relationship, which continues to underpin

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