Russian President Vladimir Putin in India to seal S-400 deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived here on Thursday to hold the annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the key agenda is to sign the pact for India's acquisition of the advanced S-400 Triumf air defence missile system. India intends to use the five batallions worth over $5 billion to augment its defences along the 4,000-km India-China border. Both leaders will also discuss key regional and global issues, including US sanctions on import of Iranian crude oil. A number of crucial energy deals are also slated to be signed. India's state-owned ONGC Videsh Limited is expected to sign a pact with Gazprom. Besides bilateral talks, Putin will attend the India-Russia Business Summit and is also scheduled to interact with a group of talented children.

In May, Modi had travelled to Russian coastal city of Sochi for an informal summit with Putin wherein they discussed a range of crucial issues. In the two-day summit starting today, the leaders are now expected to explore ways to further deepen cooperation between the two countries in a number of sectors including trade, investment, connectivity, energy, space and tourism.

Interestingly, in 2014, China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of an undisclosed number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing.

Also hanging over the meet is the US warning against India striking defence or trade deals with Russia and Iran or face sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Sources here said that the Americans have been notified that it was not possible for India to discontinue relations with both countries. They added that Russia has been a major defence partner and 80 per cent of India's defence equipment is Russian origin. "India needs Russia for spare parts for its legacy defence equipment. Also, Moscow gives New Delhi technologies that the US doesn't yet want to share, including nuclear-powered submarines," they said.

Experts also believe that in light of Russia's growing proximity with China, and its newfound relationship with Pakistan, New Delhi is attempting to balance the scales.

What Is The S-400 System?

• A battalion has at least eight launchers with 32 missiles and a mobile command post
• Surface-to-air anti-aircraft weapon system supports four different intercept missiles — the very long range 40N6E-series (400 km), the long range 48N6 (250 km), the 9M96e2 (120 km) and the short range 9m96e (40 km)
• Can track multiple targets
• Has optional acquisition radars to defeat stealth aircraft like F-22, F-35
• Designed to knock out penetrating aircraft and missiles flying ‘off the deck’ or just above ground and neutralise cruise missiles