Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, stated on Wednesday that discussions between New Delhi and Moscow regarding the potential acquisition of additional S-400 air defence system units are currently “ongoing.” He emphasized that both nations are steadily reinforcing their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Alipov referred to several reports surrounding Operation Sindoor, praising the performance of both the S-400 missile defence system and the BrahMos missiles, which are jointly developed by India and Russia, as “exemplary.”
“Based on what we know, India clearly defined its objectives and took decisive action after identifying its targets and the terrorists it had committed to neutralizing. To our understanding, the S-400 air defence system was deployed during the operation, and BrahMos missiles were used. Judging from the information available, these weapons systems performed remarkably well,” Alipov said during his conversation with IANS.
India and Russia have maintained a deep-rooted and broad-based defence relationship over the decades. This collaboration is primarily coordinated through the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), jointly chaired by the defence ministers of both countries.
As long-standing and reliable strategic partners, India and Russia have engaged in multiple defence projects, including the supply of the S-400 missile systems, licensed production of T-90 battle tanks and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, delivery of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, the acquisition of INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), local manufacturing of AK-203 rifles, and the co-development of the BrahMos missile system.
Both New Delhi and Moscow acknowledge that their military-technical partnership has matured over time, transitioning from a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a more advanced collaboration model. This now includes joint research and development, co-design, and the co-production of cutting-edge defence systems and technologies.
Following India’s successful military response earlier this month—which resulted in considerable damage to Pakistani positions—the S-400 air defence system has received accolades for effectively neutralizing several incoming missiles fired from across the border.
Sources familiar with India’s strategic defence planning suggest that New Delhi is likely to move forward with acquiring more S-400 systems in the near future.
“Our discussions on this matter—as with many others—are continuous. However, it would be both premature and inappropriate for me to comment on any specific outcomes at this stage,” Alipov clarified.
He further noted that Moscow is “very satisfied” with the outcomes of the BrahMos missile programme, which reflects a strong partnership between the two nations under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
“We have a successful joint venture dedicated to the design and production of these weapons. We are extremely pleased with the results and believe there is tremendous potential for the future. We are eager to expand this cooperation, along with other initiatives that are already in progress or under discussion,” Alipov concluded.
