SU-57 ‘Best Plane in the World’, Defence Deals on the Table: Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov Ahead of Putin’s India Visit

X: @Ayanangsha

New Delhi: Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on December 4, Kremlin officials signalled confidence in ongoing diplomatic efforts on Ukraine while reaffirming Moscow’s strong defence and economic partnership with New Delhi.

Dialling in from Moscow earlier on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia viewed U.S. mediation efforts on the Ukraine crisis positively. “U.S. mediation is effective. We hope it will be successful,” he remarked, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is scheduled to visit Moscow later in the day.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Peskov underlined that defence cooperation — particularly advanced fighter aircraft and missile defence systems — will be central to President Putin’s agenda in India.

Peskov said discussions on the SU-57 fifth-generation fighter jet are expected at the highest level. “SU-57 is the best plane in the world. Not an exaggeration. The issue will be on the agenda of President Putin’s India visit,” he asserted.

He also confirmed that the S-400 air defence system will feature prominently in bilateral talks.
“It will be discussed during the visit. It will be mentioned at the highest level. Our military industry works very well. We have managed to enlarge production volumes. The share of Russian arms in India is 36%,” Peskov noted.

On the economic front, he expressed optimism that India–Russia trade — buoyed by energy cooperation and rupee-ruble mechanisms — is on track toward the $100-billion mark by 2030.

Even as Western sanctions continue to target Russia’s oil and industrial sectors, Peskov said Moscow remains determined to keep bilateral trade stable. “There are sanctions against Russian companies and the oil sector, but we are finding ways not to let trade volumes go down,” he said.

Peskov also praised New Delhi’s approach to strategic engagement with Moscow. “The Indian side listens to us. India wants to listen to us. India hears us. It’s a mutual understanding,” he said, stressing the depth of political trust ahead of the high-stakes summit.