New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) As Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India begins on December 4, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday confirmed that the Russian stealth bomber Su-57 is certainly on the agenda during the summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“SU- 57 is the best plane in the world. SU57 will be on the agenda,” Peskov said, offering a glimpse into top level talks between the two leaders.
The talks on Russian stealth bomber Su-57 is on the table on Putin’s arrival even as talks on acquiring American stealth F-35 fighter continues runs in rough weather after US punitive trade sanctions on India and with New Delhi now firm on getting full control of avionics and its domestic production.
If finalized, could empower India by providing immediate access to a fifth-generation stealth jets and advanced technologies, significantly boosting strategic air power.
Peskov said,”The sale of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missiles could be on the agenda during the visit and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms 36 percent in the Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue.”
On the issue of expansion of bilateral trade, Peshkov said that the two countries have already surpassed USD 63 billion and projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2030. Russia has reaffirmed that its defence partnership with India remains firmly strategic, continuing to evolve towards “renewed focus on the exchange of advanced techological know-how”.
Speaking at an event organised by Sputnik news agency here, he said that both Russia and India aim to protect their economic cooperation from third-country interference by increasing settlements in national currencies and advancing major connectivity projects like the North–South Transport Corridor.
The Kremlin spokesperson said that the relationship between Russia and India is “not merely a set of protocols; it is built on a deep historic foundation, mutual understanding, and a shared view of global affairs based on the rule of law and respect for each other’s interests.” He noted that India and Russia have always stood “shoulder-to-shoulder, and this moment marks an important chapter in our bilateral and international engagement.”
“We see a wide and expanding perspective in our bilateral cooperation across various sectors including defence, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals and trade.”
Speaking on defence cooperation, he added, “We are working closely in sensitive areas of the defence industry. Our dialogue at the United Nations remains strong. Our cooperation is not limited to selling or buying weapons—it extends to the exchange of know-how and advanced technologies.”
Complex military systems are being jointly developed, and our capabilities and expertise have grown significantly in recent years.
He then said that Russia is the best manufracturer of small nuclear reactors and “this experience is of real value.” “We are cooperating closely in energy security and investment as market competition, pricing, and overall trade bring substantial mutual benefits. Peaceful nuclear energy has contributed to the creation of an entire industry in India, supported by Russian technology.”
Speaking on the issue of punitive US tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, Peskov said, “We must organise our trade in a way that prevents third countries from interfering. By conducting transactions in national currencies, we strengthen our sovereignty. Some are attempting to create obstacles in our trade, but we are confident that India will be sharing our approach.”
He also underlined cooperation in high-technology sectors, pharmaceuticals, transport, and the North–South Transport Corridor, noting that the movement of millions of tonnes of goods will bring great mutual benefit to Russia and India.
“A comprehensive set of documents is ready to be signed,” he said while stressing that the visit of Putin to India will be of “gobal attention”.
Regarding trade between the two countries, on the issue of US tariffs on India, He said, “Our position is that relations between India and the Russia are bilateral in nature. We do not intend to allow these issues to interfere with our own bilateral ties, and the issue will be taken during discussion during India visit.”
“Our energy cooperation is strong. Although less than USD 5 billion worth of energy currently goes to India, the real challenge is ensuring targeted expansion. We are exporting significantly more than we import from India, and therefore, increasing imports from India is an important goal.”
Acknowledging the trade imbalance between both the countries , he said, ” A forum of importers is being organised in which we will be deliberating on the issue to pursue an increase in Indian imports to Russia,especially in services, investments, and trade sectors. Concerns raised by India will certainly be addressed, and we are working closely with our Indian counterparts.
On the issue of sanctions, he called the sanctions as “illegal” affecting several Russian companies in key production sectors. “We are exploring ways to prevent a decline in trade volumes, though significant drops are possible. We consider these sanctions illegal, as they have not been approved by the United Nations. Despite this, we continue to manage supply chains to ensure that our partners can rely on uninterrupted deliveries.”
