Social media posts allege that India canceled visas for Russian officials who were scheduled to arrive and test the integrity of the S-400 air defense system. Multiple Pakistan-based users have shared the claim, which can be viewed here and here.
Fact Check
Upon investigation, we found the claim to be fake. A search across Indian and international news outlets reveals no evidence of visa cancellations for Russian personnel related to the S-400. Moreover, no visit by any Russian official for S-400 testing has been planned.
In the recent news by Reuters, it is reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India at the end of 2025, Interfax news agency quoted India’s national security adviser Ajit Doval as saying in Moscow on Thursday, correcting an earlier report that he would go in late August.
Also, in another report by Business Today, dated August 9, it reported that Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has, for the first time, officially confirmed that IAF S-400 air defence systems shot down five Pakistan Air Force fighter jets. One AEW&C/ELINT aircraft at long range during Operation Sindoor, in what he described as “the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill,” the IAF can talk about.
Conclusion
The claim is fake. India has not canceled visas for Russian officials, and there is no evidence that such visits were even planned. India–Russia defense cooperation on the S-400 continues without reports of diplomatic hurdles.
