New Delhi, Sept 2026 : China has expressed surprise at the scale of Russia’s latest defence proposals to India, with President Vladimir Putin reportedly offering advanced military systems, including the S-500 air defence system, additional S-400 units and a major upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet.
According to a report by The Week, citing Chinese media and analysts, the proposals have been described as “generous gifts” and could further strengthen the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
Putin’s recent visit to India has attracted considerable attention in Beijing, particularly over the scope of the defence package reportedly discussed between the two countries. Chinese website Sohu described the offers as unusually generous, arguing that Moscow has rarely extended such a broad range of advanced military capabilities to a foreign partner.
The reported package includes cooperation in the production of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the comprehensive modernisation of India’s Su-30MKI fleet into “Super Sukhois” at an estimated cost of more than Rs 91,300 crore, and the proposed supply of the S-500 air defence system.
Russia has also reportedly offered additional S-400 air defence squadrons, Pantsir-S1M point-defence systems, advanced radars and strategic submarines as part of its broader defence cooperation with India.
The S-500 is designed to counter ballistic missiles and other high-speed aerial threats and is reported to have an interception range of up to 600 kilometres. Its potential induction into India’s air defence network would complement the country’s existing S-400 systems and contribute to a layered defence architecture.
India had ordered five S-400 systems from Russia under a 2018 agreement. Four units have already been inducted, while delivery of the fifth is expected by November 2026. The system, known in Indian service as “Sudarshan”, has been projected as a key component of India’s long-range air defence capability.
Russia has reportedly offered five additional S-400 squadrons, estimated to cost more than Rs 50,000 crore, with deliveries expected within three years of the contract being signed. Moscow has also proposed setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India, potentially strengthening domestic support and sustainment capabilities for the growing fleet.
Chinese analysts have focused particularly on the combination of the S-400 and S-500, which they argue could give India one of Asia’s most capable layered air defence networks.
The proposed modernisation of India’s Su-30MKI fleet is another major element of the reported package. Russia has offered upgrades for nearly 260 aircraft, including new AESA radars, advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems and upgraded engines. The first phase is expected to cover 84 fighters.
The proposed use of Russia’s Izdeliye 177S engine could further improve the aircraft’s performance. The engine is reported to provide around 14.5 tonnes of thrust, while offering improved fuel efficiency and a service life of up to 6,000 hours.
Chinese commentators have suggested that Russia’s willingness to offer advanced technologies is partly driven by its desire for a stable and financially capable strategic partner. India’s large defence market, growing defence budget and ability to participate in research, development and production make it an important collaborator for Moscow.
The reported proposals also fit India’s emphasis on “Make in India”, with joint production and technology transfer forming important elements of defence cooperation.
For Beijing, the scale of the reported Russian offers underscores the deepening India-Russia relationship and could have implications for the wider Asian security balance. The combination of advanced air defence systems and enhanced fighter capabilities would strengthen India’s military preparedness and reinforce Moscow’s role as a major defence partner.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
