NEW DELHI: Russia on Wednesday said there will be no delays in the delivery of the S-400 air defence systems to India and a payment mechanism for the deal is being worked out
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the missile systems will significantly enhance India’s air defence capability. Last week, the government informed Lok Sabha that it will start receiving the missile systems from Russia from October next year and the deliveries will be completed by April 2023.
India inked an agreement with Russia in October last year to procure a batch of the missile systems at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. India went ahead to seal the deal notwithstanding the US’ warnings against it. There were apprehensions about the payment mechanism for the deal in the wake of the US sanctions against Russia. “India would receive the systems as agreed upon in due time, without any delays. And, your (India’s) national security will be enhanced substantially,” Ryabkov told reporters.
“We (Russia) want to be immune to arbitrary unilateral measures undertaken by some country against a very legitimate form of international cooperation,” he said.
Asked how President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an economic conclave in Vladivostok in Russia in September when who will be India’s PM will be known only after the parliamentary elections in April-May, he said Moscow is in no mood of assessing the political situation in India.
India’s role lauded
Russia applauded India’s “central role” in Afghanistan and maintained that both the countries were highly concerned with the situation in the terror-ravaged nation and both sides were very much in sync “on this very important issue.
“We understand the central role of India in Afghanistan. We want and welcome India and Indian representatives in all formats, including the Moscow talks,” Ryabkov SAID.
The remarks from the Minister came days after the US President Donald Trump virtually mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ridiculed Indian aid to Afghanistan referring to the parliament building as ‘library’.
Ryabkov said development support is very important in conflict zones like Afghanistan. “Wars can be won but peace cannot without any material investment on development and education. That is the core, and thus, the Indian effort and efforts of other countries who provide material support to Afghanistan, is an indispensable one,” said Ryabkov. (Agencies)
