As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for a two-day visit to India starting Thursday, a familiar voice from Russia with deep Indian roots has suggested that New Delhi should consider acquiring Moscow’s most advanced air-defence system the S-500. The suggestion comes from Abhay Singh, a Bihar-born doctor who went on to become a politician in Russia’s Kursk region.
Who is Abhay Singh?
Abhay Singh serves as a deputat equivalent to an MLA in the local legislature of Kursk, a city in western Russia. He is a member of United Russia, the ruling party led by President Putin.
Singh’s journey began in Patna, Bihar, where he grew up before moving to the Soviet Union in 1991 to study medicine. Like many Indian students of that era who arrived in a completely new climate and culture, Singh struggled in the beginning. He recalled that the extreme cold almost forced him to return home. But his dean, Elena, whom he describes as a motherly figure, convinced him to stay.
“That moment changed everything for me,” Singh once said. “It felt like home and I never left.”
A Doctor Who Found His Calling in Politics
After the collapse of the USSR, Singh first saw Vladimir Putin on the political scene and says he was deeply inspired by him. He believes Putin helped rebuild and strengthen Russia during a turbulent phase.
Singh eventually settled in Kursk, started interacting with local communities and, over time, joined politics. His grassroots approach, regular outreach and strong community presence helped him win elections twice as a deputat.
He often says that the Indian community in Russia is slowly growing and encourages more Indians to consider entering public life there. According to Singh, political participation helps bridge cultures and creates a sense of belonging.
Putin’s India Visit and Defence Offers
Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to focus heavily on defence cooperation and trade. Moscow has reportedly offered India platforms such as the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet and the S-500 air-defence system, in addition to ongoing projects.
Singh believes India should seriously consider procuring the S-500, especially after the strong performance of the S-400 system during Operation Sindoor.
He says the visit will only deepen bilateral trust:
“For the past 70–80 years, India and Russia have never had a conflict or territorial dispute. The relationship has always been steady, and now it is growing even stronger.”
Singh feels Putin’s trip will push both nations to expand cooperation with a fresh sense of purpose, especially as global geopolitics continues to shift.
