Russia is expected to deliver the two remaining S-400 air defense systems to India by 2025 under a $5.4 billion deal, following delays caused by the conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions.
The deal, signed in October 2018 for five S-400 systems, originally had a five-year completion timeline. However, the conflict in Ukraine and sanctions disrupted staggered payments for the systems, leading to delays. The deliveries are now back on track, with the two remaining systems set to arrive in India by the end of next year.
India proceeded with the S-400 deal despite warnings from the US about potential sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). While Turkey faced secondary sanctions for a similar deal, India has not faced such actions, reflecting the strengthening security ties between New Delhi and Washington.
Three S-400 systems have already been delivered to India, with the first system deployed in December 2021 along the border with China and Pakistan. The S-400 is a sophisticated surface-to-air missile defense system capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats.
Additionally, Russia is expected to deliver two Talwar-class stealth frigates to the Indian Navy by early next year. The delivery of these warships was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. The first frigate, Tushil, is set to arrive by September, followed by the second, Tamal, by January 2025.
Despite challenges posed by the Ukraine conflict and sanctions, both projects have progressed due to improved payment mechanisms agreed upon by both countries.
The S-400 and Talwar-class frigate deliveries signify the deepening defense cooperation between Russia and India, strengthening India’s defense capabilities in the region.
Sources By Agencies
