Imagine a world where space exploration becomes a collaborative effort between two global powers, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. But here's where it gets controversial: Russia’s Roscosmos is now in discussions with India to sell its advanced rocket engines and license their production, a move that could reshape the dynamics of space technology sharing. On December 5, 2025, Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov revealed to state media that the primary focus is on finalizing the sale and localized production of these engines, though he remained tight-lipped about specific contracts or timelines, suggesting the talks are still in their infancy. This announcement comes as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi, where he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a joint statement highlighting progress in rocket engine development, production, and use—though no concrete deals were disclosed. The statement also emphasized deeper collaboration between Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in crewed spaceflight, satellite navigation, and planetary research. This isn’t the first time such discussions have taken place; last year, Putin and Modi agreed to explore enhanced cooperation in rocket engine technology, with Interfax reporting that Roscosmos was in active talks with both India and China. The focus of these negotiations has been on the RD-170/171 family of liquid-fuel engines, which are staples of medium and heavy rockets used for satellites and crewed missions. And this is the part most people miss: While this partnership could accelerate India’s space ambitions, it also raises questions about geopolitical alliances and technological dependencies. Is this a step toward greater global cooperation in space, or does it signal a shift in power dynamics? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times faces unprecedented challenges as Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office labels us an 'undesirable' organization, criminalizing our independent journalism. We refuse to be silenced, but we need your support to continue providing unbiased reporting. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps defend open journalism in the face of repression. Will you stand with us?
