Russia interested in civil aviation collaboration with India – Moscow

Moscow and New Delhi are stepping up cooperation to advance next-generation aircraft and engine projects, according to Russia’s deputy trade minister.

Russia has expressed its interest in joining hands with India for the production of civil aircraft, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksey Gruzdev announced during the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok on Friday.

Speaking at the Russia-India business dialogue, Gruzdev underlined that both nations are strengthening their cooperation to push forward the development of new-generation aircraft and engines. “We see strong complementarity in our approaches, which opens the door for deeper collaboration in civil aviation,” the deputy minister emphasized.

Alongside the civil aviation sector, Moscow and New Delhi have been holding discussions regarding potential cooperation in the field of military aircraft. Earlier in the week, the ANI news agency reported that Russia is assessing possible investment projects aimed at co-manufacturing the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet within India.

The Indian Air Force currently requires at least two squadrons of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with the primary options being Russia’s Su-57 and the American F-35. However, according to Bloomberg, India conveyed to Washington in February that it was “not keen” on acquiring the F-35. The offer was initially made by former US President Donald Trump during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House, but New Delhi has since stressed that it favors strategic partnerships that emphasize co-design and joint manufacturing over direct purchases.

During the same forum on Friday, Gruzdev also highlighted railway engineering as another promising sector for collaboration between Russia and India. He noted opportunities for cooperation in upgrading and constructing railway lines, integrating advanced digital systems, and supplying rolling stock. He further added that Russian companies are prepared to align closely with India’s national policies and actively participate in the country’s localization initiatives in partnership with domestic firms.