India’s Strategic Concerns: Congress Demands Answers on Russia-Pakistan Military Cooperation

The Congress party, through General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, has criticized the Indian government for its handling of Russia’s military assistance to Pakistan. Ramesh called on the Modi government to address this issue. He highlighted that Russia, a long-standing strategic partner of India, has started supplying RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s JF-17 Block-III fighter jets. This engine will provide enhanced capabilities, enabling the aircraft to be equipped with PL-15 missiles, which Pakistan allegedly employed against India during Operation Sindoor. He noted that the JF-17 was among the aircraft targeted by the Indian Air Force in May 2025. Ramesh contended that the deal was finalized in June 2025, despite the intervention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He questioned the impact of Russia’s actions on India’s foreign policy, considering that India is still purchasing the S-400 missile system and negotiating defense agreements, like the Su-57 stealth fighter. Ramesh views this as evidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic failures, with image-building and global initiatives taking precedence over national interests. He further stated that India’s regional diplomacy and global influence have weakened, citing the current respect for Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in the United States and the strategic collaboration between Pakistan and Russia. Ramesh urged the Modi government to explain why India has failed to retain its traditional allies and why it has not publicly commented on the increasing military support being provided to Pakistan.