Latest news with #India-Russia
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Committed to give remaining S-400s to India by 2026: Russia
New Delhi: Russia is committed to delivering the remaining units of S-400 air defence system to India by 2025-2026, said Russian deputy chief of mission Roman Babushkin Monday while highlighting that the system performed "very efficiently" during recent India-Pakistan tensions. Babushkin also said Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is likely to visit India soon. The visit will help prepare the ground for India-Russia summit that will see President Vladimir Putin travelling to India later this year. Babushkin confirmed that the contract for the remaining two S-400 units is on track, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2025-26, in line with publicly announced timelines. India had signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of S-400 Triumf missile system, a state-ofthe-art air defence platform capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at long ranges. Three squadrons have already been delivered.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sergey Lavrov pushes for revival of Russia-India-China troika
Lavrov pushes for revival of Russia-India-China troika (Picture credit: AP) With India having resolved its 2020 border standoff with China in Ladakh, Russia is pushing India to restart the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral mechanism. Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said an understanding had been reached between India and China on how to ease the situation on the border and it's time now for the revival of the RIC troika. "I would like to confirm our genuine interest in earliest resumption of the work within the format of troika - Russia, India, China - which was established many years ago on the initiative of Yevgeny Primakov (former Russian PM), and which has organised meetings over 20 times at the ministerial level since then, not only at level of foreign policy chiefs, but also heads of other economic, trade and financial agencies of three countries," said Lavrov, speaking at a conference, as per Russia's TASS agency. Lavrov is likely to take up the issue with Indian authorities during his upcoming visit to India. As TOI had reported on May 26, the Russian minister is likely to travel to India in June to finalise the agenda for the upcoming India-Russia summit that will see President Vladimir Putin visiting India for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war started in Feb 2022. The Russian agency also quoted Lavrov as saying that Nato is blatantly trying to lure India into anti-China intrigues. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo "I have no doubts whatsoever that our Indian friends, and I say this based on confidential conversations with them, obviously see this trend that can be actually deemed as a large provocation," Lavrov said. India last hosted a meeting of RIC foreign ministers in a virtual mode in Nov 2021. The minister had then pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) saying the group played a constructive role in securing peace and sustainable development, advancing regional cooperation and consolidating ties of good-neighbourliness and mutual trust. While India hasn't taken any decision yet on participation in the SCO summit that China will host this year, Russia is hoping PM Modi will attend the event.
India.com
6 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos: India's Deadly Strike Force That Stunned China, Pakistan
HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos: India's Deadly Strike Force That Stunned the World On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a fierce retaliation against Pakistan-backed terrorism following the brutal Pahalgam attack. In a stunning display of power, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-built Sukhoi-30MKI jets, armed with the supersonic BrahMos missile, obliterated 11 Pakistani airbases. From Nur Khan near Rawalpindi to Bholari in Sindh, runways were shattered, hangars reduced to rubble, and Pakistan's air defenses left in disarray. This wasn't just a military strike—it was a global spectacle. The HAL Su-30MKI and BrahMos combination showcased India's unmatched technological prowess, leaving the world in awe of its precision and might. Military powers from the US to China took notice, with nations like Vietnam and Malaysia eyeing this lethal duo for their own arsenals. Let's explore how this deadly combination was forged, how it's manufactured today, and why it terrifies India's adversaries. Operation Sindoor was a masterclass in strategy and firepower. On May 9-10, nearly 15 BrahMos missiles, launched from HAL's Su-30MKI jets flying at low altitudes, struck Pakistan's key military installations with surgical accuracy. Satellite images revealed craters on runways, collapsed hangars, and wrecked command centers. Pakistan's air force, caught off-guard, scrambled to save its aircraft, but the damage was catastrophic. The operation's success sent shockwaves globally, with defense analysts praising India's ability to execute such a devastating strike so swiftly. The Su-30MKI-BrahMos combo proved it could reshape the global defense landscape, prompting nations to rethink their air strategies. What makes HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos so deadly ? The BrahMos, a joint India-Russia creation, is a supersonic cruise missile that races at Mach 3—three times the speed of sound. With a range exceeding 450 kilometers, it can strike targets deep inside enemy territory without the jet entering hostile airspace. Flying just 10 meters above the ground, it evades radar, and its pinpoint accuracy ensures it hits within a meter of its target. Whether it's a ship or a bunker, BrahMos delivers a crushing 200-300 kg warhead. Paired with HAL's Su-30MKI, a twin-engine fighter jet with a 3,000-kilometer range and high maneuverability, it becomes a long-range strike platform. During Operation Sindoor, HAL's Su-30MKIs used dummy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to trick Pakistan into activating their radars, exposing defenses. The jets then launched BrahMos missiles, obliterating targets before Pakistan could react. The journey to this triumph was a saga of innovation. Integrating BrahMos with HAL's Su-30MKI was a colossal challenge. In 2012, Russia demanded $250 million to modify the jet's underbelly, but HAL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) took it on themselves. They redesigned the Su-30MKI's fuselage using high-strength aluminum and built the world's heaviest airborne launcher—a 6-meter-long, 350-kg marvel. The missile's weight was trimmed from 2.9 tonnes to 2.4 tonnes, and HAL reinforced the jet's undercarriage. In June 2016, the first jet flew with a BrahMos at HAL's Nashik facility, followed by a successful separation test in August 2016. A live firing on November 22, 2017, saw the missile strike a ship with deadly precision, a world-first that stunned global defense circles. Today's Manufacturing Process: HAL's Cutting-Edge Efforts As of May 2025, HAL continues to enhance the Su-30MKI-BrahMos combination at its Nashik facility, a hub for Su-30MKI production and upgrades. In September 2023, the Indian government approved a $1.6 billion contract for HAL to manufacture 12 new Su-30MKIs, with 62.6% indigenous content, to replace jets lost in crashes. These jets, produced at Nashik, incorporate BrahMos integration from the ground up, featuring strengthened undercarriages and advanced avionics for seamless missile deployment. Deliveries are expected to begin within a few years, boosting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat strength. HAL has also proposed supplying 72 additional Su-30MKIs, potentially expanding the fleet to 344 aircraft by 2030, all capable of carrying BrahMos missiles. The 'Super Sukhoi' program, underway at HAL's Nashik plant, is upgrading 84 existing Su-30MKIs to enhance their BrahMos capabilities. These upgrades include next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for superior target tracking, advanced electronic warfare suites to counter enemy defenses, and integration of the extended-range BrahMos-ER, with a range of 450-500 kilometers. HAL is increasing indigenous content to 78%, incorporating locally developed systems like the Virupaksha AESA radar and Dhruti radar warning system. Currently, 40 Su-30MKIs are modified to carry BrahMos, with plans to equip another 84 under this program, ensuring the entire fleet can deliver long-range precision strikes. HAL's Koraput Division also manufactures AL-31FP engines for these jets, with 63% local content, supporting self-reliance. HAL's BrahMos integration process involves rigorous structural modifications, aerodynamic testing, and certification. The Nashik facility uses advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to ensure safe missile separation. Each jet's electronic circuits are hardened to withstand nuclear electromagnetic pulses, a critical feature for strategic missions. HAL collaborates with DRDO and private firms, leveraging over 2,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for components, making the process cost-effective. The integration, initially completed for Rs 80 crore against Russia's Rs 1,300 crore quote, remains a benchmark for India's engineering prowess. A Symbol of India's Prowess This success is a testament to HAL's engineering excellence and India's 'Make in India' spirit. From crafting the launcher to modifying jets, HAL and DRDO overcame immense challenges to create a weapon system that's the envy of the world. Operation Sindoor amplified BrahMos's global appeal, with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Armenia expressing interest. The Su-30MKI-BrahMos combo has redefined air warfare, giving India a strategic edge few nations can match. Why should every Indian care? This is a story of resilience and national pride. HAL's Su-30MKI and BrahMos aren't just weapons—they're symbols of India's ability to conquer complex challenges. Operation Sindoor showed the world that India's defense capabilities are world-class, capable of swift, decisive strikes. While BrahMos is a costly missile reserved for high-value targets, cheaper options like Nirbhay are in development, ensuring versatility. Let's salute HAL's engineers, DRDO's scientists, and the IAF's pilots who made this possible. Their dedication gave India a weapon that deters and defends, forcing the world to take notice. Operation Sindoor was a warning: challenge India, and HAL's Su-30MKI-BrahMos duo will answer with unrelenting force. Jai Hind!
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lavrov may visit India in June ahead of Vladimir Putin's trip
NEW DELHI: Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to travel to India next month, as India and Russia look to firm up the agenda for President Vladimir Putin's visit later this year for the annual India-Russia summit. While the date hasn't been finalised yet, the visit by Lavrov may take place in the third week of June. PM Narendra Modi had reiterated India's invite to Putin for the summit when the leaders spoke after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the latter had again accepted the invitation. During that conversation, Putin had agreed with Modi on the need for an "uncompromising" fight against terrorism and also stressed that the perpetrators and their backers had to be brought to justice. NSA Ajit Doval is also expected to visit Moscow for the 13th international meeting of high representatives for security issues on May 27-29 for which Russia has invited more than 150 countries. While Modi had twice visited Russia last year - first for the annual summit and later for Brics - Putin's upcoming visit will be his first to India since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in Feb 2022. The summit this year will provide an opportunity for the leaders to review defence and security cooperation, facilitation of mutual energy security, ongoing cooperation to ramp up bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 and use of national currencies for bilateral settlement. India wants to increase its supplies of goods to Russia for a more balanced trade relationship. The Modi-Putin summit was expected to take place early this year but Putin has remained preoccupied with the Ukraine war and ongoing international efforts to broker peace. The annual bilateral summit is the highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism between India and Russia, something which both sides attach great importance to even as the leaders meet regularly on the margins of multilateral summits like Brics and SCO. The Brics summit will be held in Brazil in July this year, and China will host the SCO event in late Aug or early Sept. However, while Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected at the Brics summit, there's uncertainty about Putin's participation. Similarly, whether or not Putin and Modi will meet at the SCO summit is unclear as the latter is yet to confirm his presence at the event.
United News of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
In Russia, Indian all-party delegation reiterates zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism
Moscow/New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) The Indian all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and stressed that India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. During its meetings in Moscow, both sides agreed on the need to strengthen counter-terrorism measures and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. On Friday, the delegation was in Moscow where they held a number of engagements, including with the two Houses of the Russian Parliament and think tanks. The visit marks a continuation of India's long-standing effort to strengthen global counter-terrorism frameworks and reinforce its commitment to a multipolar international order. The delegation held talks with Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs of the Federation Council, and other Senators. The dialogue focused on enhancing legislative convergence in the global fight against terrorism. The Indian side drew attention to Operation Sindoor as a response in the country's fight against terrorism. Later, the delegation had a meeting with Leonid Slutsky, Hon'ble Chair of the Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma, and interacted with Members of the State Duma. Both sides reaffirmed the historic and time-tested nature of the India-Russia relationship, underpinned by mutual trust and respect. The discussions covered a wide range of issues including global security architecture, emerging geopolitical alignments, and multilateral cooperation. The Indian delegation underlined the imperative of collective action against terrorism, including the need for credible international mechanisms to deny safe havens, financing, and political justification to terrorist entities. The delegation then met Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and held extensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and global developments, with emphasis on the shared commitment to a multipolar and international order. The delegation also had an insightful interaction with former Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, who heads the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISS). The delegation had detailed exchanges on radicalisation pathways, disinformation ecosystems used by terrorist groups, and state-sponsored propaganda that undermines regional peace. The two sides agreed on the imperative of narrative frameworks rooted in pluralism, sovereignty, and international law. The two sides agreed on closer think tank collaboration for joint analytical work concerning terrorism's transnational linkages. These high-level interactions reaffirm the shared commitment of India and Russia to intensify cooperation in the fight against terrorism, promote global stability, and further strengthen their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The delegation conveyed India's resolve to expose and isolate those who employ terrorism as an instrument of state policy and reaffirmed the importance of international solidarity in this regard. Besides, DMK MP Kanimozhi, the other members of the delegation are: Rajeev Rai, MP, National Secretary and Spokesperson, Samajwadi Party; Capt. Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), MP, BJP; Prem Chand Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD); Ashok Kumar Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP); Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg and Nepal; Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN. UNI RN
