Vladimir Putin Makes BIG Offer To PM Modi; Russia Ready For Massive SU-57 Deal With India

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again demonstrated his friendship towards India. This time, he has also offered a solution to one of New Delhi's major challenges. As India considers purchasing fifth-generation fighter jets, Putin has offered to co-produce these jets with India. He stated that Russia is ready to collaborate with India on the Sukhoi-57 stealth fighter jet program.

Speaking to the media in St. Petersburg, Putin elaborated on the offer made to India regarding the development of the Sukhoi. He said, "As for the Sukhoi-57, at one point we offered to work on this technology with our Indian friends. However, at that time, our Indian friends said, 'You go ahead first, and then we will see; perhaps we might join in later.'"

What did Vladimir Putin say about Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet?

Praising Russia's most advanced fighter jet, Putin described it as the best combat aircraft in the world. He said, "It is a fifth-generation aircraft, and I believe it is currently the best in the world. We developed it independently, but we are ready to work with India in this sector—whether it involves supplying the aircraft to India or collaborating on its further development. We have no issues with this; there are no restrictions. The same applies to our air defense systems."

How did Vladimir Putin describe ties between India and Russia?

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the relationship between India and Russia as extremely close. He also highlighted the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" shared by the two nations. He stated, "This is how I define the relations between the two countries. This relationship was not formed yesterday, a year ago, or five years ago; it is a bond we have been nurturing for decades. Ever since the Soviet Union established diplomatic ties with India in 1947, we have been cooperating in the establishment of the new state—a new nation."

It is worth noting that India's neighbors, Pakistan and China, are already operating fifth-generation fighter jets. In contrast, India's most advanced fighter jet currently is the French Rafale, which belongs to the 4.5-generation category. While India is continuously investing in the development of its own fifth-generation aircraft, it will take a long time to become operational. Consequently, India has the option of acquiring the American F-35 or the Russian Su-57. However, instead of opting for either of these, the Indian government has struck a deal with Russia to purchase additional Rafale jets.

It is pertinent to mention that if a joint venture regarding fighter jets is established between Russia and India, it would not be the first instance of such collaboration. Russia has previously worked with India on the Sukhoi-30 program. Moreover, the Sukhoi-30 MKI variant was developed specifically for India, and it currently constitutes the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet.