Overview

• A Russian source told WION, echoed by News18, that there is “no confirmation” of RD-93MA engine supplies to Pakistan and called such claims illogical.
• Indian media reports had said the engines would power Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III jets despite objections from New Delhi, prompting Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to demand a government explanation.
• Ramesh cited reports that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made direct interventions in June 2025 to halt the move and questioned ongoing big-ticket defence dealings with Moscow such as S-400s and potential Su-57 talks.
• The reported upgrade concerns JF-17 Block III aircraft associated with PL-15 missiles, and the IAF chief has said the JF-17 may have been among Pakistani fighters used during May’s Operation Sindoor.
• With the claims contested, high-level India–Russia engagement continues, including Putin’s confirmed early-December visit and a possible preparatory trip by Sergey Lavrov reported by WION, while the BJP termed the engine reports reckless information warfare, per PTI.