**‘Benefits India’: Russian Expert Backs RD-93 Engines Sale to Pakistan**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025, 03:45 PM*
A recent report on the sale of Russian RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 aircraft has stirred significant debate. However, a Russian defense expert has come forward to defend the deal, 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, emphasized that the reported transaction highlights China and Pakistan’s continued reliance on Russian technology.
According to Topychkanov, “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 and India observed the JF-17’s operational use during the May 2025 crisis (Operation Sindoor).”
He argued that this predictability could offer India a strategic advantage in anticipating JF-17 capabilities given the shared engine technology.
**Conflicting Reports from Moscow**
Despite these assertions, another senior Russian source denied any confirmation of such a deal. In a conversation with WION, the insider called the reports illogical for serious observers monitoring India-Russia defense relations.
The source also suggested that these rumors might be driven by ulterior motives, potentially aiming to undermine the promising cooperation ahead of upcoming high-level engagements between the countries.
**Political Controversy in India**
The alleged engine sale has sparked political backlash in India. The opposition Congress party has heavily criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for allegedly allowing Russia to supply advanced RD-93 engines to Pakistan.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why Russia would provide military support to Pakistan while India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiate for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow. He condemned the government for what he described as a lack of vigilance in safeguarding India’s strategic interests.
**BJP Stands Firm**
In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the Modi government against these allegations, labeling the reports as “reckless information warfare.”
Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, cited a report that included Russia’s clarification on the matter. He accused Ramesh of spreading unsubstantiated claims on social media based on content from a website known for pro-Pakistan propaganda.
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The debate over the RD-93 engine sale continues to fuel discussions on India-Russia-Pakistan defense dynamics, highlighting the complex nature of geopolitical alliances and regional security concerns.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/russian-expert-defends-rd-93-sale-to-pakistan/story