India has approved the purchase of five Russian S-400 air defense systems for $25 billion

The Indian Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of weapons worth 2.38 trillion rupees, which includes a contract for the delivery of five new S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia. 

This was reported by the Indian Ministry of Defense.

The agreement was signed with Rosoboronexport JSC in the presence of Minister Rajesha Kumar Singh to strengthen the country’s multi-layered air defense. In addition to the air defense systems, the Indian ministry approved the modernization of Russian fighter jets and the purchase of strike drones for reconnaissance and offensive operations.

India currently has three S-400 systems, which were used during the conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, and two more systems are expected in the coming months. Despite attempts to diversify suppliers, Russia provides more than a third of the country’s military needs. Such cooperation with Moscow could complicate Delhi’s relations with the U.S., which has previously criticized India for purchasing Russian equipment. At the same time, India continues to build up its own defense capabilities in parallel with global changes in the arms market.

Russia and India have agreed to prepare for the resumption of direct liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies—for the first time since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.