Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov stated at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026 that the two-seat Su-57D corresponds to the configuration that the Indian side previously wanted to receive within the framework of the joint FGFA program. 

Within the framework of FGFA, the Indian side previously sought a two-seat fighter configuration. India withdrew from the program in 2018. Among the reasons discussed were issues of cost, technology transfer, and aircraft characteristics.

According to Alipov, the current two-seat Su-57D corresponds to the configuration that New Delhi wanted to receive within the framework of FGFA.

The first flight of the Su-57D prototype took place on May 19, 2026. OAK indicates that the aircraft is being created as a multi-role fifth-generation fighter, but the additional workstation should be used not only for pilot training. The company also considers the aircraft as a combat control aircraft capable of organizing the interaction of a group of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Therefore, the Su-57D is considered not only as a combat trainer aircraft. The second crew member can perform tasks related to managing the aviation group and working with information while the first pilot controls the aircraft.

For India, the story gained additional context against the backdrop of current negotiations on the Su-57. However, it is premature to link the appearance of the Su-57D solely to an Indian order.