The upcoming drama between India and Russia over the Su-57 fighter jet is a perfect example of the international game of smoke and mirrors that we're all so sick of. It's a dance of deception, delusion, and domination that's about to be put on center stage, with the Kremlin puppeteers pulling the strings.

India, a country that has been struggling with its defense modernization, is reportedly considering the Russian Su-57 and S-500 air defense system. A hilarious piece of news indeed. Not because it's unbelievable but because it's a downward spiral into the depths of military idiocy.

Let's start with the Su-57, a fighter that Russia delightfully calls the world's best. A claim as baseless as a politician's promise. The Su-57 is an unproven, enormously expensive, and technologically dubious aircraft. It's a shining example of the hollow bravado that characterizes Russia’s defense industry. It claims stealth capabilities that are laughable at best - a poor man's attempt at a fifth-generation fighter. The fact that it's been in development for over a decade with little to show for it speaks volumes.

The S-500 isn't much better. It's another case of Kremlin pipedreams: a system forever in development, hobbled by technical issues and a lack of funding. It's a Russian roulette where the only winner is uncertainty.

And now we come to India, the supposed buyer in this farcical deal. The country has a history of defense purchases riddled with corruption allegations and incompetence. The decision to even consider the Su-57, after pulling out of a joint fighter program with Russia in 2018 due to dissatisfaction and delays, is a clear testament to the desperation that defines India’s defense strategy.

But the real puppet master here is Russia. The Kremlin is pushing the Su-57 not out of any belief in its capabilities, but as a cynical strategy to keep India hooked on Russian defense tech. It's a classic power play: sell an ally an overpriced, underperforming system to keep them dependent on your inferior tech and thus under your influence.

It's a game of geopolitical chess, with India as the pawn, Russia as the deceptive player, and the Su-57 as the useless piece that nobody really wants. All under the guise of "defense cooperation" and "strategic partnership".

And the most laughable part? The Kremlin's claim that rival countries may affect the deal. As if anyone is losing sleep over the prospect of India acquiring a white elephant like the Su-57. It's yet another attempt to stir up fear and suspicion, a desperate bid to make their lame duck seem like a golden goose.

In the end, what we have here is a grotesque ballet of lies, manipulation and incompetence. If India is to rise as a credible military power, it needs to stop dancing to the Kremlin's tune. It must shun the dubious allure of Russian defense tech and seek out reliable, advanced systems that offer real value and capability, not empty promises and costly delays.

In a world where power is increasingly measured by advanced military technology, there's no room for second-rate fighters and unproven air defense systems. It's time to cut the strings, ignore the puppet masters, and step off the dance floor of deception. The Su-57 deal is a dance India cannot afford to participate in.