NEW DELHI: Russia Monday said the implementation of its current defending deals with India, including supplying a batch of S-400 missile systems are progressing well despite the threat of US sanctions.
Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev, in a press conference, appeared to criticize the US sanctions on Turkey for acquiring the S-400 missile systems under a $ 2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognize such unilateral actions.
“We do not recognize or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council, this is also the case of Turkey,” he said.
“As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India’s position is also very clear. There are no recognized sanctions other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future, we believe that our ties could withstand the challenges ahead, “he said.
Kudashev was asked to comment on US sanctions on Turkey under the provisions of the Fighting America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Russian deputy chief of mission Roman Babushkin said the United States is using the sanctions regime on the purchase of weapons from Russia as “illegal tools.”
He wondered if Russia expects Biden government to lift the sanctions regime, Kusashev said it is difficult to predict, adding “first publicly announce your foreign policy plans and vision.”
“Regarding the current agreements, we are making good progress, including with the supplies of the S-400. If the decision to start the works related to the Ka-226 helicopters and the production of AK-203 rifles accelerates, we will soon see good progress, which is especially important due to the deep interest expressed by the Indian armed forces, “he said.
In October 2018, India signed a $ 5 billion deal with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defense missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract could lead to US sanctions.
Last year, India made the first tranche of payment of around $ 800 million to Russia for the missile systems.
The S-400 is known as Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defense system.
In October 2016, India and Russia had finalized a comprehensive agreement to establish a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and two large Russian defense companies to acquire 200 Kamov Ka-226T helicopters for the Indian armed forces.
According to the understanding, 60 Kamov-226T helicopters will be supplied to India in flight condition, while 140 will be manufactured in India. Russia had agreed to guarantee technology transfer to India as part of the pact.
India and Russia finalized the deal for the manufacture of AK-203 rifles during Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow in September.
“Our unrivaled defense cooperation based on real exchange of technologies and joint ventures helps India advance local production and expand its military export potential. We are working on joint development and co-production of equipment, components and spare parts, improving the after-sales service system and deepening the localization program, “said the Russian envoy.
He also said that Russia was aiming to be one of the biggest exhibitors at Aero-India 2021 in Bengaluru.
“We plan to demonstrate the Su-57, Su-35 and MiG-35 fighter jets, the Ka-52, Ka-226, Mi-17B-5, Mi-26 helicopters, as well as the S-400 and Buk systems and many other new items and equipment, “he said.
The envoy said that India-Russia relations have become an integral part of the two nations’ development strategies.
“Russia as of now is the only foreign country so deeply involved in India’s nuclear power sector, contributing to national energy security. Our successful flagship project is the Russian-designed Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.” , said.
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