Congress on Saturday pressed the Narendra Modi government to clarify why Russia has decided to sell advanced RD-93MA engines to Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese JF-17 fighter jets, despite India’s repeated objections. Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh questioned how Moscow — once considered a trusted defence partner — could proceed with the deal while ignoring appeals from New Delhi.

According to Ramesh, the upgraded engine will be fitted to the Block III variant of the JF-17, which may also carry PL-15 missiles believed to have been used against India during the conflict last May. He also referred to statements by the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief suggesting that certain Pakistani fighters, including possibly the JF-17, were used against India in that war.

The Congress leader noted that India had previously objected to a 2007 deal between China and Russia for supplying the engines. He argued that the current development reveals a breakdown in Prime Minister Modi’s diplomacy, alleging that “personalised, spectacle-driven diplomacy” has failed to protect India’s strategic interests.