NEW DELHI: Despite the threat of US sanctions, India plans to go ahead with its defence deal with the country, including the one for S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems for the Indian Air Force.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the negotiations between India and Russia to finalise the `39,000-crore deal were already in the last stage and won’t be hampered by the US red-flagging the deal for which the two countries signed an agreement in principle in 2016.
“We have very clearly explained that India and Russia’s defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship. This has been explained. Sanction cannot affect relations with Russia. We have reached a final stage in S-400 negotiations. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) cannot impact the relations,” she said.
Her remarks come days after a top Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the US House Armed Services, said that there was a lot of concern in Trump administration regarding the S-400 missile being acquired by partner countries, including India.