The speculations that Russia was planning to supply RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets had turned into a political issue, with Congress hitting out at the Centre for the “failure of Prime Minister Modi’s personalised brand of diplomacy.” However, the latest reports hint that Russia has no such plans.
According to a Russian official, there is no confirmation on such a development. “It looks illogical for serious and professional observers, who trace big deals ahead between Russia and India. Don’t have such a level of cooperation with Pakistan, which would make India feel uncomfortable,” the unnamed source told WiON.
The source added that “someone was trying to compromise exceptionally promising and forward-looking cooperation”, in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s impending visit to India in December.
Though there was no official confirmation in this regard, the Congress had weaponised the rumours against the Centre. The report was that Moscow was moving ahead with plans to supply advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The deal was moving forward despite direct interventions by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in June 2025, according to the post by Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh.
However, BJP leader Amit Malviya hit back at the reports, stating there was no official confirmation or credible source to support the claims of engine supply. “Russia has dismissed reports of Moscow proceeding with the supply of RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets. Jairam Ramesh relied on a story published by NBT, which in turn quoted a little-known website notorious for pushing pro-Pakistan propaganda,” Malviya said, calling it “reckless information warfare”.
“The Congress’s communication head, yet again, choosing to side with the enemy instead of standing with India,” the post read.