Description: Russia has offered India its fifth-generation fighter jets Su – 57 in an apparent defense contract which would enlarge India’s aerial squadrons from 31 to 42. The contract if signed would be between state – owned entities Rosoboronexport and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for an undisclosed amount of money and number of fighter jets. India would look to expands its defensive capabilities and incentivize domestic production of military equipment with the goal of becoming the regional manufacturing hub. Even though India has close ties with the US in terms of defense equipment supply, it looks as if they were aiming at expanding their portfolio.
Impact: With China’s aggressive military assertiveness in Asia, India would look to become defensively independent and craft deterrent methods and sources by forming alliances with Russia. This could prompt further dilution in the geopolitical waters in the region as the US is considerably reestablishing its presence in the Indo – Pacific. With the Trump – Modi meeting to be held, India would outline their strategic outlooks and aspirations which could determine the future stance of the superpowers towards the country. Russia is successfully exploring new alliances in Asia, while the US would aim to overturn India’s strategic outlook as it represents one of the key stabilizing factors in southern Asia.