Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bishkek on Monday came just days before the two leaders are set to meet again in New Delhi, with Moscow preparing an aggressive new defence pitch centred on two of its most advanced weapon systems: The S-500 Prometheus air defence/anti-ballistic missile system and the Su-57 Felon stealth fighter.

The renewed push comes at a time when India is looking to urgently strengthen both its air defence architecture and combat aircraft strength, even as it continues to diversify military purchases away from its traditional dependence on Russian equipment.

At the centre of Moscow’s pitch is the S-500 Prometheus, Russia’s newest long-range air and missile defence system. Moscow has been positioning the S-500 as a possible next step in the India-Russia air defence partnership, building on the operational success of the S-400 already in Indian service.