Russia and India are holding discussions over the possible sale of an additional batch of S-400 air defense missile systems, according to Russian officials. The talks were confirmed by Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation during the International Security Forum that opened in Moscow on Tuesday.
Russian authorities said India has shown continued interest in acquiring more of the advanced surface-to-air missile systems, which are regarded as among the world’s most sophisticated long-range air defense platforms. The Russian agency stated that Moscow is prepared to move forward with the deal and confirmed that negotiations are currently underway.
Officials from the FSMTC also highlighted the reported effectiveness of the S-400 system during the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025. According to Russian representatives, the missile system demonstrated its operational value during the period of heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Last week, FSMTC chief Dmitry Shugaev said the existing contract for supplying S-400 systems to India is progressing according to schedule. He had previously indicated that Russia remained open to additional deliveries if requested by New Delhi.
Reports have also suggested that India may be exploring the possibility of acquiring the more advanced S-500 missile defense system in the future. The S-500 is designed to intercept high-speed ballistic missiles and even targets in low-Earth orbit, making it one of Russia’s most advanced air defense technologies.
In March, India’s Defense Acquisition Council approved defense procurement proposals worth nearly $25 billion. The package reportedly included plans for additional S-400 units, combat aircraft, transport planes, and artillery systems as part of India’s broader military modernization efforts.
According to India’s Defense Ministry, the new approvals involve five additional S-400 systems beyond the five units ordered from Russia in 2017. India proceeded with the original agreement despite significant pressure and warnings from the United States regarding potential sanctions over defense cooperation with Moscow.
So far, three of the five S-400 systems ordered under the 2017 agreement have already been delivered to India. Russian officials said a fourth unit is expected to arrive before the end of this month, while the final delivery is scheduled before the end of the year.
India also approved the purchase of transport aircraft intended to replace aging Soviet-era An-32 and Il-76 planes, along with new artillery systems.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India is currently the world’s fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine. More than 60% of India’s military equipment is still of Soviet or Russian origin, although New Delhi has recently intensified efforts to expand domestic defense manufacturing through its “Make in India” initiative.