Dmitry Shugaev, director of Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, claimed that New Delhi is evaluating the proposal by Russia to manufacture the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in India.
"They are considering the issue in any case," Shugaev was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the international defence exhibition IDEX 2025, according to media reports.
The remark comes even as India and the US unveiled an ambitious plan to ink a new 10-year defence partnership, and President Donald Trump made the announcement that Washington would increase sales of military hardware to New Delhi by millions of dollars including the possible supply of F-35 stealth fighter jets to India.
Russia's premier stealth multi-role fighter Su-57 aircraft, designed for stellar air superiority and strike capabilities, is equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology. The fighter jet had made an appearance at the recently-concluded Aero India 2025 where it impressed the audience with high-speed aerial manoeuvres. The American fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II too was part of the event held in Bengaluru.
Russia has been a major weapons supplier to India. A few days ago, a spokesperson for Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport had said the production of the fifth-generation fighter jet could begin this year itself if the government of India accepts Russia's offer regarding the same.
Making the aircraft in India, with a full transfer of technology, will ensure that production and maintenance will not be affected by Western sanctions on Russia, the spokesperson had said, according to news agency Reuters.