Putin’s India Visit: S-500 Missile Deal Likely on Agenda for Modi–Putin Talks

As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his visit to India on December 4, 2025, defence technology cooperation is expected to dominate the Modi–Putin meeting. Sources indicate that discussions may include a potential agreement for the next-generation S-500 Prometheus missile defence system.

The S-500, a successor to the S-400 Triumph, provides nationwide protection against hypersonic threats and expands India’s air, missile, and near-space defence capabilities. India’s 2018 purchase of S-400 systems for $5.43 billion has already proved pivotal — particularly during Operation Sindoor, where the system detected and neutralised Pakistani aircraft deep inside hostile territory, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

While the S-400 has a 400-km range and excels against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles using 48N6 and 40N6 interceptors, the S-500 offers a far greater reach — 500–600 km and up to 180–200 km altitude — enabling interception of ballistic and hypersonic threats with 77N6-N hit-to-kill warheads for continent-level defence.

With strong satisfaction over the S-400’s performance and its integration alongside India’s Akash and Israeli systems, India is looking at further capacity building. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh have indicated no immediate announcements yet but stressed that delivery-related concerns are being addressed.