Roscosmos Engages in Rocket Engine Collaboration Talks with India

Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, is currently engaged in discussions with Indian officials regarding the sale of its rocket engines and the licensing of their production, as stated by the agency’s head in a recent interview with state media.

Dmitry Bakanov, the CEO of Roscosmos, mentioned that the primary focus is on the engines, particularly their sale and localized manufacturing. He did not provide details on any potential contracts or timelines, indicating that these talks might still be in the preliminary phases.

Bakanov is part of a Russian delegation accompanying President Vladimir Putin on his official trip to New Delhi this week.

On Friday, Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a joint statement highlighting “advancements in mutually beneficial collaboration in the development, production, and utilization of rocket engines,” though no specific agreements were cited.

The statement further emphasized the intention to enhance cooperation between Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in areas such as crewed space missions, satellite navigation, and planetary exploration.

Last year, Putin and Modi had already decided to “explore the potential for enhancing collaboration” in the field of rocket engine development and production.

At that time, Interfax reported that Roscosmos was “actively engaged in discussions” regarding the provision and transfer of rocket engine technology to India and China.

These negotiations reportedly focused on the RD-170/171 series of Soviet-designed liquid-fueled engines utilized in medium and heavy launch vehicles, which are responsible for carrying satellites and spacecraft with crews.