Yelahanka, Bengaluru: Nothing underlines India’s fine balance in international diplomacy and strategic positioning than the sight of two of the world’s most advanced fighting flying machines being parked on the same tarmac at the IAF’s Yelahanka air base, the setting for Asia’s biggest air show.
While India and Russia have traditionally enjoyed close ties which is underlined by a dominant presence of Russian and legacy Soviet military platforms, systems and equipment in the Indian war arsenal, the US has been trying to wean off Indian dependency on Russian weapons and platforms. In that context it remains to be seen what kind of specific military offers are made to India.
A short film on #AeroIndia2025—Asia’s biggest airshow returns for its 15th edition!
— Aero India (@AeroIndiashow) February 9, 2025
Get ready for a spectacular showcase of aerial displays, cutting-edge aviation technology, and India’s advancements in defence and aerospace.#AeroIndiaShow #AeroIndia #AatmanirbharDefence… pic.twitter.com/zQ7wdMGwqu
On the Ukraine issue, India’s balanced diplomatic stance has been interesting with growing acceptability of its position by both the US and Russia at least for the time being.
While the F-35 had landed on Indian soil for the first time in the Aero India show in 2023, this is a debut for the Russian Su-57 at the Yelahanka aero show.
Traditional Cold War adversaries US and Russia usually have their own distinct blocks where they display their cutting-edge military wares and equipment. But in India, both are trying to put on their best acts.
Both the F-35 and the Su-57 are fifth generation fighters which means they have comprehensive stealth capabilities, something India is on the lookout for. More so, because China has deployed its fifth generation J-20s in sufficient numbers in air bases that are close to the Indian border.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an important trip to France and the United States beginning today. After Paris, where he will co-chair a global summit on Artificial Intelligence, Modi will fly to the US on an invitation by President Donald Trump.
Kremlin has also announced an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India within a short period of time.
Propelled by an ‘atmanirbharta’ or self-reliance spirit, India is also pursuing its fifth generation dreams by trying to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter, a full-scale engineering model of which has been erected at the Aero India 2025.
