Russia Supplying Fighter Jet Engines to Pakistan, Claims Congress; Calls it a Major Failure of Modi Govt
The Congress party has sharply criticized the Modi government following media reports suggesting Russia is supplying RD-93MA engines for Pakistan’s Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh labeled the alleged deal a significant failure of India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi.
In a statement, the main opposition party questioned how a long-standing and trusted partner like Russia could proceed with such military cooperation with Pakistan, despite India’s objections. The Congress accused the government of prioritizing “image building over national interests” in its personal diplomacy.
Ramesh, in a post on social media platform X, stated, “These engines are meant for Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets. The upgraded version of this aircraft is expected to use PL-15 missiles, which Pakistan is alleged to have used during Operation Sindhu. Even our Air Chief had acknowledged this possibility.”
He further referenced media claims that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had directly raised objections to the deal in June 2025. “The government must explain to the nation why, despite our objections, our old and trusted partner is now providing military assistance to Pakistan, especially when we are procuring S-400 missile systems from them and are in talks for the Sukhoi-57 stealth aircraft,” Ramesh added.
It is important to note that the Congress’s claims are based on media reports, and no official confirmation has been made. A report from Via News cited a Russian source explicitly denying that the Kremlin has engaged in any such deal with Pakistan.
