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India signs aircraft deal with sanctioned Russian firm
The United States and some other Western partners have previously criticized India's policy towards Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, demanding that Delhi comply with their sanctions against Moscow.
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AFP - Tue, 28, Oct 2025
- 09:59 EDT
- 22
Logo of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) / Courtesy: Wikipedia
India's state-owned aeronautics firm said Oct. 28 it had signed a deal with a Russian aircraft manufacturer under US and European sanctions, a move likely to irk New Delhi's Western allies.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the deal with United Aircraft Corporation to manufacture civil passenger aircraft in India for the first time.
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a post on X, hailed "a landmark step for the Indian civil aviation sector" that will create jobs and boost self-reliance.
The United States and some other Western partners have previously criticized India's policy towards Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, demanding that Delhi comply with their sanctions against Moscow.
India, in turn, has said it does not subscribe to unilateral sanction measures.
According to the aircraft deal inked in Moscow, HAL will partner with the Russian United Aircraft Corporation to produce SJ-100 twin-engine, narrow-body planes for domestic customers.
HAL said in a social media post that it would be "the first instance wherein a complete passenger aircraft will be produced in India."
Both HAL and Singh called it a "game-changer for short-haul connectivity."
The deal highlights Delhi's continued defense and energy ties with Moscow, despite mounting scrutiny over its oil purchases from Russia.
In August, US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent, with Washington accusing India of fueling Russia's war in Ukraine.
Trump recently claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to reduce Russian oil imports as part of a potential trade agreement, but there was no confirmation from Delhi.
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