The Defence Ministry on Thursday has approved Indian Air Force to procure 21 MiG-29 fighter jets besides 12 Sukhoi MK1 from Russia.

It is a major development that has come in the middle of the two-month long military conflict with China.

A statement from the ministry stated, the Defence Acquisition Council gave its nod for the upgradation of existing 59 MiG-29 aircrafts too.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and Putin reiterated to "further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in all spheres," an Indian foreign ministry statement said, adding, "While the MIG 29 procurement and get them upgraded from Russia is estimated to cost ₹7,418 crores, the Su-30 MKI will be procured from (HAL) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at an estimated cost of ₹10,730 crores.