Russia, India in talks for more S-400, the missile system that punctured Pakistani air power

India and Russia are in talks for New Delhi to receive additional deliveries of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, TASS reported late Tuesday, citing a senior Russian defence export official.

“India already has our S-400 system,” said Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. “There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage.”

S-400 leaves Pakistan stunned

The S-400 system left Pakistan stunned and inflicted heavy damage on its air force, taking down multiple fighter jets while protecting Indian skies during India’s Operation Sindoor after Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-backed terrorists.

Discounted oil deal in focus amid Trump push

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that a barrel of Urals crude is now $3–$4 cheaper than Brent on a delivered basis, citing people familiar with offers for cargoes loading in late September and October. The discount stood at around $2.50 last week and about $1 in July.

S-400 deliveries on track

Russia is expected to deliver the final two S-400 units to India in 2026 and 2027. India and Russia had signed a $5.5 billion agreement for five units in 2018, three of which have already been delivered.

Shugayev reiterated, “There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage.”

US pressure over India-Russia trade

The twin offers of discounted oil and more S-400 supplies come at a time when India faces pressure from the US over its oil and arms trade with Moscow.

Last month, US President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports came into effect, half of which he linked to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. US officials have claimed Indian imports spiked significantly after the Ukraine war in 2022.

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Reuters also reported last week that Russia’s oil supplies to India in September may rise by 10–20 per cent — or an additional 150,000 to 300,000 barrels per day — compared to August.

S-400 a ‘game-changer’

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on August 9 that the Indian Air Force had shot down “at least” five Pakistani fighter jets along with “one large aircraft,” adding that the Russian-made S-400 missile system had proven to be a “game-changer.”