'No issues, no limitations': Putin offers India full access to Su-57 stealth fighter technology | Watch
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russian President said Moscow is ready to jointly develop and supply the fifth-generation stealth fighter without restrictions, as India weighs options to bridge its air power gap
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a pitch to India, renewing an offer for the joint development and supply of the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet. Speaking to global media on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin praised the aircraft as the "best in the world" and said that Moscow is ready to share its crown-jewel military technology without limitations.
The renewed proposal comes at a important time for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently lacks a fifth-generation stealth fighter in its arsenal, even as regional neighbours advance their aerial capabilities.
'No issues, no limitations'
Addressing a gathering of international news agencies, Putin recalled that Russia had previously invited India to co-develop the platform under the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme, before New Delhi walked away from the joint venture in 2018.
More from India"We had earlier proposed that India join us in developing this technology," Putin said. "At the time, our Indian partners preferred that Russia proceed independently and indicated they would consider joining the project at a later stage."
Putin also took a sideways swipe at Western nations, which historically restrict access to sensitive software source codes and technology transfers, by praising India's independent foreign policy in the face of pressure from Washington.
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What has changed in the evolution of the deal?
When India backed out of the multi-billion dollar FGFA programme in 2018 after investing nearly $300 million in preliminary designs, the IAF cited major concerns over the Su-57's stealth characteristics, delays in developing next-generation engines, and insufficient technology sharing.
However, defence corridors indicate the playing field has changed drastically. Russia’s state-owned defence exporter, Rosoboronexport, has altered its terms to heavily align with New Delhi's "Make in India" initiative.
The introduction of a new twin-seat tandem-cockpit variant has drawn particular interest from defence analysts. Unlike conventional trainer aircraft, the second seat in this version of the Su-57 is designed to function as a tactical command station, enabling operators to control loyal wingman drones and coordinate advanced electronic warfare missions.
Russia's renewed push comes at a crucial moment for India's defence planners. The Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to grapple with a shrinking fighter squadron strength even as regional air-power competition intensifies.
China is steadily expanding its fleet of J-20 stealth fighters, while Pakistan has announced plans to acquire China's J-35AE fifth-generation aircraft.
Meanwhile, India's indigenous stealth fighter programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is progressing but is not expected to enter operational service before the mid-2030s.
As a result, New Delhi is evaluating options to bridge this capability gap. While the United States has floated the possibility of offering the F-35, concerns over operational restrictions, technology access and the absence of local manufacturing commitments make the American proposal markedly different from Russia's latest offer of joint production and technology transfer.
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