India seeking more Russian missiles after Pakistan confrontation – media

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New Delhi is reportedly set to approach Rosoboronexport to replenish its arsenal for the S-400 surface-to-air missile system

India’s Defense Ministry is looking to purchase 300 missiles for its Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to replenish stocks after its confrontation with Pakistan in May, the Hindustan Times (HT) reported on Friday.

The ministry is preparing to issue a “request for proposal” to Russia’s Rosoboronexport for the missiles at a cost of about $1.2 billion, the paper said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The purchase is expected to be finalized before the end of March 2026, after it receives clearance from two Indian government committees, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh already approving it, according to the report.

In May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the prowess of the performance of its Russian-made S-400s during the country’s four-day military confrontation with Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor.

“Platforms like the S-400 have given unprecedented strength to the country,” Modi said in an address to soldiers, while standing in front of the Russian-made air defense system. “A strong security shield has become the identity of India.”

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New Delhi is reportedly also considering the purchase of the Pantsir short- and medium-range air-defense system, which can be paired with the S-400 to build a layered shield against rockets, missiles, drones, and aircraft, the HT added.

Defense cooperation between India and Russia is likely to be high on the agenda when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi for an annual summit with Modi in early December.

New Delhi and Moscow have partnered in the defense sector since the early 1960s.

India has encouraged defense firms from friendly countries to work with domestic arms manufacturers to bolster Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.