**‘Benefits India’: Russian Expert Backs RD-93 Engines Sale to Pakistan**
*By Snehil Singh | October 6, 2025, 3:45 PM*
A recent report about Russia supplying RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 aircraft has sparked intense debate. However, a Russian defense expert has come forward defending the move, suggesting it could actually benefit India in unexpected ways.
**Strategic Insight from Russia**
Pyotr Topychkanov, head of the Section on New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia at Moscow’s Primakov Institute, shed light on the potential strategic implications of the deal. According to him, if the sale is indeed going ahead, it reveals an important dynamic — China and Pakistan remain dependent on Russian technology despite efforts to diversify.
Topychkanov explained, “Firstly, it shows that China and Pakistan haven’t yet managed to replace the Russian-origin engine. Secondly, the new aircraft will be familiar and predictable to India, especially since they share the same engine. India also observed the JF-17’s operational use during the May 2025 crisis (Operation Sindoor).”
This familiarity could give India a tactical advantage by making the behavior and performance of Pakistan’s JF-17 fleet more predictable in combat scenarios.
**Denial from Another Russian Source**
Despite Topychkanov’s comments, a senior Russian insider has denied any official confirmation of the RD-93 engine supply to Pakistan. Speaking exclusively to WION, the source called the rumors “illogical” and suggested they might be attempts to disrupt growing ties between Russia and India, especially in light of upcoming high-level engagements.
**Political Fallout in India**
The alleged deal has also ignited political controversy domestically. The Indian National Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for failing to prevent Russia from supporting Pakistan militarily.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the logic behind Russia supplying advanced engines to Pakistan while India continues to procure Russian defense systems like the S-400 missile system and negotiates for Su-57 stealth fighters.
**BJP’s Defense of the Government**
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the allegations as baseless and part of a “reckless information warfare” campaign. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT cell head, referenced Russia’s clarification on the matter and accused Ramesh of spreading misinformation based on reports from sources with a known pro-Pakistan bias.
**Conclusion**
While the controversy continues, the discourse highlights the complex interplay of defense diplomacy and strategic calculations in South Asia. Whether or not the RD-93 engines are being supplied to Pakistan, the debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding military technology transfers and the geopolitical ramifications for the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/russian-expert-defends-rd-93-sale-to-pakistan/story