India is advancing its plans to procure five more S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia. Moscow has submitted a cost proposal, marking the beginning of negotiations with New Delhi. The final decision on this acquisition will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security, contingent on successful price negotiations and clearance from the Finance Ministry. India’s initial contract for five S-400 systems, inked in 2018 for a total of $5.43 billion, is slated for completion with the final delivery expected in November 2026.
The addition of these new systems is anticipated to significantly bolster India’s air defence capabilities, particularly along the eastern sector where it shares a border with China. The S-400 has already proven its worth in India’s defence arsenal, notably during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where its performance was instrumental. This successful deployment has further convinced Indian defence strategists of the need to expand their S-400 fleet.
While discussions are ongoing regarding the S-400 systems, India has yet to make a decision on purchasing Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force has shown interest in the proposal, especially in light of China’s deployment of J-20 stealth fighters in Tibet, which poses a strategic challenge to India’s air defence.
The proposed acquisition of additional S-400 systems is likely to be a focal point in the broader defence discussions between India and Russia. These discussions gain further significance as Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India for the BRICS summit scheduled for September. This visit is expected to foster deeper defence cooperation and address mutual security concerns between the two nations.