India, Russia Discuss S-400 Delivery, Su-30 Upgrades in Qingdao

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao to discuss key military cooperation issues, including the supply of remaining S-400 air defense missile systems, upgrades to Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and accelerating procurement timelines for critical hardware. India has already deployed three out of five S-400 squadrons acquired under a 2018 $5.43 billion deal, with Russia committing to deliver the remaining two by 2027. The meeting underscored the importance of boosting defense production and cooperation amid ongoing regional tensions, notably following India's recent Operation Sindoor and related hostilities triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Both ministers also addressed cross-border terrorism, regional security, and geopolitical developments, with Belousov condemning the Pahalgam attack and expressing solidarity with India. Additionally, Singh held discussions with China's Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, emphasizing the need for a permanent solution to border demarcation issues and revitalizing established mechanisms for peaceful bilateral relations. India declined to sign the joint SCO communique due to dissatisfaction over the omission of references to the Pahalgam terror attack and inclusion of incidents in Pakistan.