In a direct counter to US pressure, Russia has unveiled a major expansion of its defense and technology cooperation with India. The announcement followed Donald Trump’s claim that India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil, a statement quickly refuted by both New Delhi and Moscow.
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov declared that the long-standing defense relationship is moving confidently toward next-generation systems. He specifically cited the “local production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter” and support for India’s indigenous AMCA program.
This future-focused plan also includes discussions on “drones, anti-drone systems, advanced radar, and other force multipliers.” This is in addition to the expanding joint production of BrahMos supersonic missiles, which Alipov noted are “soon-to-be hypersonic.”
This technological push is built on a “unique” foundation of shared battlefield experience, which Alipov said Russia “willingly shares.” He highlighted the success of joint exercises like “Indra,” which concluded just yesterday in Rajasthan.
India’s MEA dismissed Trump’s oil claim, stating its energy policy is guided by “consumer interests.” Alipov reinforced this, stating Russian oil is “beneficial” for India, starkly contrasting Russia’s partnership model with US tariffs imposed on India for its energy choices.