India took up with Russia expeditious supply of remaining two squadrons of S-400 air defence systems, timely assistance in upgrades of frontline fighter jets Su-30 MKI, and procurement of critical military hardware during a defence bilateral meeting in Qingdao, China, on Thursday.
Besides these, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov also discussed in depth a range of subjects covering current geopolitical situations, cross-border terrorism and Indo-Russian defence cooperation on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China.
“Supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades, and procurement of critical military hardware in expeditious timeframes were some of the key takeaways of the meeting,” the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.
Modernisation push
The comprehensive modernisation of Su-30 MKI, cleared by the MoD at a cost of ₹60,000 crore, is designed to equip the aircraft with advanced avionics, new AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and better indigenous weapon systems.
It will also enhance the age of about 260 Su-30 MKIs, inducted into IAF since 2001-2002, by more than two decades, as the life of a frame is for 50 years.
The remaining two of five squadrons of S-400 AD Systems, supposed to have been delivered by 2023 as part of the ₹40,000 crore deal inked in 2018, has been delayed and is expected to be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 20267-27.
“We had insightful deliberations on boosting India-Russia defence ties,” Rajnath Singh posted on social media platform X.
The Russian Defence Minister, said the statement, highlighted the long-standing Indo-Russian relations which have stood the test of time and expressed solidarity with India on the horrendous and cowardly terrorist act of April 22 in Pahalgham, Jammu & Kashmir.
Singh also held bilateral meetings with Defence Minister of Belarus Lieutenant General Victor Khrenin, Defence Minister of Tajikistan Lieutenant General Sobrizoda Emomali Abdurakhim and Defence Minister of Kazakhstan Lieutenant General Dauren Kosanov in Qingdao, China.