A viral claim is making rounds on social media, alleging that India and Russia have finalized a deal for the acquisition of 24 Sukhoi Su-57 Fighter Jet. However, there is no official confirmation or credible evidence to support this claim. Propagandist account @ocjain4 posted on X, stating:
“This important deal between India and Russia has surprised the whole world. Russia’s fifth generation stealth fighter SU-57 is now going to become the strength of the Indian Air Force… India said no to F-35… Now the world has understood that India takes any decision on the basis of self-reliance and self-respect, not under pressure.”
भारत और रूस के बीच हुए इस अहम डील ने पूरी दुनिया को चौंका दिया है। रूस का पांचवीं पीढ़ी का स्टील्थ फाइटर SU-57 अब भारतीय वायुसेना की ताकत बनने वाला है।
— Ocean Jain (@ocjain4) May 23, 2025
और इसकी संख्या होगी पूरे 24….
F-35 की जगह SU-57: भारत का साहसिक फैसला। अमेरिका को झटका: भारत ने SU-57 को चुना
F-35 को कहा… pic.twitter.com/PlbsbEfyTl
Several other accounts, including @Brand_Netan, have echoed similar sentiments, framing the supposed deal as a strategic blow to the United States and a bold move by India.
The truth of the SU-57 Fighter jet
As the video and claim gained attention, the D-Intent Data team investigated the matter and found that the claim of a finalized Su-57 deal between India and Russia is misleading. According to a Reuters report dated February 11, 2024, Russia has made an informal offer to manufacture the Su-57 fighter jet in India with full technology transfer. The proposal was presented to Indian officials and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during the Aero India event. However, the Indian Ministry of Defence has not confirmed or accepted the offer, and no official agreement has been signed.
Additionally, the Su-57 program has faced delays, and production is still relatively recent. The Reuters article clearly states that the deal is contingent on India’s acceptance, which has not happened.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) May 23, 2025
ANALYSIS: Unsubstantiated
FACT: Claims are circulating alleging that India and Russia have finalized a deal for the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. However, these claims are not supported by any credible or official sources. While, as per reports, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/OCF44J1gDV
Intent:
Influencers are circulating self-invented claims about India-Russia defense relations to mislead the public and gain social media traction.
Conclusion:
Claim: India has finalized a deal with Russia to purchase 24 Su-57 stealth fighter jets, rejecting the U.S. F-35.
Fact: There is no official confirmation of such a deal. The claim is unverified and misleading.
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