‘India to pitch new arms deal with Russia during Putin visit’

BENGALURU: India plans to start discussions toward the purchase of Russian fighter jets and a missile defense shield during President Vladimir Putin’s visit this week, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

India and Russia have a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership under which discussions for the purchase of Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced version of the missile defense shield S-500 are expected, the report said. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.