Putin Vows To Expand Defence Ties With India As New Delhi Eyes S

Putin Vows To Expand Defence Ties With India As New Delhi Eyes S-500 Shield Amid U.S. Tensions Russia’s Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed half a century of military cooperation with India, as New Delhi prepares to request additional S-400 regiments and evaluates the next-generation S-500 Prometheus system. The S-400 proved decisive during Operation Sindoor, and the S-500—capable of countering hypersonic threats could mark India’s biggest air-defence leap yet. Despite U.S. concerns under CAATSA, India secured a waiver and continues balancing Washington’s pressure with Moscow’s partnership. Meanwhile, India sharply cut Russian oil imports, signalling strategic recalibration rather than alignment. Modi’s dual-track diplomacy prioritises leverage, autonomy, and maximised national options. Watch