India is advancing its efforts to procure five more S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, as the Russian government has already submitted a cost proposal to initiate negotiations with New Delhi. The acquisition awaits a final decision from India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, contingent on successful price negotiations and approval from the Finance Ministry. This new deal comes after India signed a previous contract in 2018 for five S-400 systems, valued at $5.43 billion, with the last of these systems scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
The additional S-400 systems are anticipated to significantly bolster India’s air defence, particularly in the eastern sector adjacent to China. The effectiveness of the S-400 was notably demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, reinforcing the argument for expanding the air defence fleet. This enhancement in military capability is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure robust defence readiness, particularly in regions with heightened security concerns.
In parallel, India has not yet made a decision regarding the purchase of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. However, the Indian Air Force has shown interest in Russia’s proposal, especially considering China’s deployment of J-20 stealth fighters in Tibet. This potential acquisition remains under consideration as part of India’s ongoing evaluation of its air combat capabilities.
The proposed purchase of additional S-400 systems is expected to be a significant topic in broader India-Russia defence discussions. These discussions gain additional importance with the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India for the BRICS summit in September. The meeting is likely to further address defence cooperation and strategic partnerships between the two nations, with the S-400 deal playing a central role in these talks.