RUSSIA, INDIA TO INK DEAL ON S-400 AIR DEFENCE
MISSILE SYSTEMS
Russia and India will sign a multi-billion
dollar deal for S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems on
Saturday following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in Goa, state media here reported today.
"Following the results of the negotiations between our
president and (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, an agreement will be
signed on the delivery of S-400 Triumf anti aircraft missile systems to India,
as well as some other documents," Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov
was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.
India is interested in getting five systems of the most modern air
defence system, capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered
defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.
It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft,
missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.
If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the
prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract
last year.
The S-400, an upgraded version of the S-300, had previously only
been available to the Russian defence forces.
It is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in
Russia since 2007.
Ushakov said part of the documents will be signed behind closed
doors.
The Kremlin aide declined to comment on the details of the deal,
suggesting that first the document should be signed.
Russia also plans to sign an agreement on building Project 11356
frigates for the Indian Navy and setting up a Russian- Indian joint venture to
produce Kamov Ka-226T helicopters, the agency reported.
Following the results of their talks, Putin and Modi will adopt a
joint statement to reflect their common approaches towards solving various
global and regional issues.
Both sides will also approve a roadmap of measures timed to
coincide with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the two countries.
Overall, Russia and India are set to sign about 18 documents, he
said.
The Russian presidential aide said Putin and Modi will hold their
talks in Goa ahead of the summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa) grouping of leading emerging economies.
The Russian and Indian leaders are first expected to talk in a
narrow format and then negotiations will be held at the level of delegations.
Russia's delegation will also be represented by Vice- Premier
Dmitry Rogozin, the heads of the Industry and Trade, Energy and Economics
Ministries, state civil nuclear power corporation Rosatom and others.
After the talks, the Russian and Indian leaders will take part in
the ceremony of laying the foundation for the third and fourth power units of
India's Kudankulam nuclear power plant via a video conference, make statements
for the media and hold a tete-a-tete lunch.
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