Putin Signals Deeper Defence Tech Sharing With India

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In an interview with India Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin calls India a “privileged partner,” says Moscow is sharing — not just selling — cutting-edge military technology.

By TRH Foreign Affairs Desk

New Delhi, December 4, 2025 — In an interview to India Today ahead of his visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the depth of Indo-Russian defence cooperation. He lent support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ in defence sector, describing India as one of Russia’s most “reliable and privileged partners” in military and security ties.

Speaking to India Today, Putin responded to questions on the pending delivery of the S-400 air defence system, the next-generation S-500 platform, and the proposed induction of the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter.

“India stands out as one of our reliable and privileged partners in military-technical cooperation,” Putin said. “We are not merely selling something to India and India isn’t merely buying from us. This is a different level and a different quality of relations.”

‘We Are Sharing Technology, Not Just Selling It’

Emphasising the strategic trust between the two nations, Putin said Russia and India are engaged in rare levels of technology sharing in the defence sector. “They are not simply selling technology, we are sharing it. This speaks to the level of trust between the two countries and the two peoples,” he said.

Putin highlighted a broad portfolio of joint cooperation, including naval construction, missile and rocket engineering, aircraft manufacturing and armoured vehicle production. He pointed out that India is manufacturing Russia’s T-19 battle tanks, calling them among the best in the world.

He also showcased the BrahMos missile as a flagship example of Indo-Russian defence collaboration. “The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between Russia and India, is manufactured primarily at Indian facilities,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India must be fully implemented in the defence sector as well.

Combat Experience Strengthens Partnership

Referring to recent combat experience of Russian weapon systems, Putin said the battlefield performance of certain arms has “multiplied their value manifold.” He added that Indian military specialists, due to their close engagement with Russian forces, now have a strong understanding of how and when specific weapon systems perform best.

“This operational understanding is shared by both Indian and Russian sides. This is extremely important,” he said.

Focus on S-400, S-500 and Su-57

While Putin did not give specific delivery timelines for the remaining S-400 units awaited by India, his remarks signal continued momentum on major defence platforms, including future-ready air defence systems and fifth-generation fighter aircraft under discussion.

The comments come at a time when India continues to diversify its defence procurement but retains Russia as a key strategic military partner, particularly in air defence, missile systems and advanced platforms.

Putin’s strong push for technology sharing and Make in India-linked production is expected to dominate the defence agenda during his visit, reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.