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Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

What do Chinese make of Su-57, RELOS & India-Russia defence ties? Marriage of necessity

Chinese discourse portrays India-Russia defence cooperation as shaped more by structural constraints than strategic convergence.

Chinese commentary on India-Russia defence cooperation has recently intensified, particularly around discussions on Su-57 co-production and the Reciprocal Logistics Exchange Agreement, or RELOS. These debates are framed in China as part of a wider strategic configuration, shaped by sanctions pressure, defence-industrial constraints, and evolving patterns of multi-alignment.

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, early narratives on Chinese social media suggested Indian unease over the trajectory of Russia-China relations. One headline read: “After Putin’s visit to China ended, the most anxious country was neither the United States nor Japan, but India, which has long considered itself a world power.”

This framing shifted last week after Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation confirmed ongoing negotiations on potential Su-57 co-production in India. In Chinese commentary, this is read as part of Russia’s broader effort to manage industrial constraints and sustain its defence export ecosystem under Western sanctions.

Also Read: From Kolkata to Quad, Marco Rubio’s India visit sparks anxiety and mockery in China

Su-57 in Chinese commentary

The prospect of India acquiring the Su-57 drew sceptical reactions on Chinese social media.

“France’s Rafale fighter jets have been shot down by Pakistan. India has now decided to purchase Su-57s to enhance its defence capabilities,” read one Weibo........

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