India to explore possibility of acquiring S-500 missiles during Putin's visit — Know its features, challenges

The two-day visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 4 and 5 will be keenly watched. During Putin's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they are expected to review progress on bilateral ties, discuss issues of mutual interest and sign interdepartmental and business agreements, both governments said.

Among various issues, India is expected to push Russia for faster delivery of two further S-400 surface-to-air missile squadrons, after receiving three under a 2018 deal worth about $5.4 billion. Reports said India is likely to explore the possibility of acquiring additional S-400 units or an upgraded variant.

The S-400 proved effective against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May. India's interest is now in moving toward the more advanced Russian S-500 Promet