The Congress party on Saturday demanded a clear explanation from the BJP-led Central Government after reports emerged that Russia is set to supply advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for its fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The move comes despite India’s repeated objections and direct diplomatic interventions.
‘Failure of Modi’s personalised diplomacy’
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the recent reports as a serious setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “personalised diplomacy,” which he said prioritises image-building and ‘global spectacle’ over India’s strategic interests.
In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh wrote, “This development underscores yet another failure of Prime Minister Modi’s personalised brand of diplomacy. Years of high-profile summits, choreographed photo opportunities with hugs, and grandstanding on the world stage have failed to yield substantive outcomes.”
Pointing to the recent developments, the Congress leader added that the upgraded RD-93MA engines would power the Block III variant of the JF-17 fighter jet, which is also equipped with PL-15 missiles. “These are the same missiles believed to have been used against our country during Operation Sindoor. The IAF Chief has also stated that the JF-17 may be among the Pakistani fighters that were used against us,” he said.
India’s diplomatic isolation of Pakistan
Ramesh also criticised the Modi government for failing to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. “India remains unable to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. Instead, Pakistan’s leadership — including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose communally poisonous statements provided the immediate backdrop to the Pahalgam terror attack — is being warmly received by President Donald Trump and supplied weapons by President Vladimir Putin, all while enjoying unqualified backing from China during Operation Sindoor,” he said.
According to Ramesh, multiple reports indicate that the deal is moving forward despite “direct interventions” by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in June 2025. He questioned why Russia, once India’s most reliable strategic ally, is supporting Pakistan’s defence capabilities while India continues to buy S-400 missile systems and negotiate for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow. “The government owes the nation an explanation as to why a long-time and trusted partner like Russia is now providing military support to Pakistan,” Ramesh said.
The Congress leader urged the government to clarify the reason behind Russia’s decision to supply the engines and missiles despite India’s repeated objections. He branded it as a failure of India’s foreign policy approach under Modi, particularly his reliance on “hug diplomacy” and high-visibility summits.
Russia, a long-standing and trusted strategic partner of India, has reportedly ignored New Delhi’s repeated appeals and decided to supply advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan for its Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. The RD-93MA engine, manufactured by Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC)-Klimov, powers the Block III variant of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. This advanced engine forms the backbone of Pakistan’s most modern jets, developed jointly with China.
The JF-17, often praised by Islamabad, who compare it to India’s Rafale and Su-30MKI jets, is the Pakistan Air Force’s most advanced fighter. While experts often dispute Pakistan’s claims, there is no denying its central role in Islamabad’s air strategy. Just as the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force, the JF-17 has become a key pillar for Pakistan’s air capabilities.
Reports hint that India specifically urged Russia not to supply the engines after the recent conflict. Despite these interventions, including high-level diplomatic engagement, Russia proceeded with its decision.