Why Iran is upset over Russia-India Su-57 fighter jet deal? Tehran says Moscow didn't provide S-400 air defense system despite...

India.com

08-07-2025

(File)
Iran-Israel war: Amid the looming threat of another attack by Israel and its ally the United States, Iran has openly expressed its displeasure over the proposed Russia-India defense deal, stating that Moscow has offered to sell the advanced Sukhoi Su-57E and Su-35M fighter jets to New Delhi, which it claimed is a US ally, but has not provided the S-400 air defense system to the Islamic Republic despite it being under an open threat from two nuclear powers– Israel and the US. Why Iran is upset over Russia-India deal?
In a post on X, Seyed Hossein Mousavian, former Iranian ambassador to Germany who was also part of Iran's nuclear negotiations with the EU and the IAEA, criticized Russia for arming US allies while delaying much-needed armaments to its strategic partners like Iran, despite repeated requests.
'Russia did not give the Su-35 fighter aircraft and S-400 air defense system to Iran. Despite the fact that Iran has been under the threat of a military attack by two nuclear powers – America and Israel for decades and this recently proved true when both these countries attacked Tehran,' Mousavian wrote.
The veteran Iranian diplomat and policymaker noted that while Russia did not provide the necessary armaments to partners like Iran, it has offered 117 Su-35M fighter jets and joint production of Su-57 with technology transfer to India, even though New Delhi is a US 'ally'.
'This is not a criticism of Moscow because it is acting according to its strategic interests, but what if a NATO member like Turkey or a close US ally like Saudi Arabia wants to buy the Su-35, Su-57, or S-400 air defense from Russia?,' he asked.
Mousavian noted that Tehran needs to gain a better understanding of the reality of the current geo-political scenario, and shun dependence on other countries to protect its national interests. What is the Russia-India defence deal?
As per a report by Aero News General, Russia and India are working out a deal for the latter to acquire the Russian-made fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57E and the 4.5-generation Su-35M, including local manufacturing and technology transfer. The proposal submitted by Russian state-owned company Rostec and Sukhoi includes a transfer of technology for the Su-57E, which would allow Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture these aircraft in India.
Under the proposed deal, Russia will immediately deliver a fleet of 20-30 Su-57E fighters to meet the IAF's urgent need to replenish its depleted squadrons. Additionally, Russia has also offered the Su-35M as part of India's multi-role fighter aircraft tender for 114 jet, a necessary workaround till Su-57E production is ramped up.