Russia assures India of steady defence supplies

Russia has assured India that defence supplies will not be hit by the western sanctions announced against Moscow and that alternative mechanisms are in place to ensure that crucial contracts such as the S-400 air defence system are not disrupted.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which operates a variety of Russian-origin equipment, including the Su-30MKI and MiG series of fighters, has also said that there may be certain difficulties but the announced sanctions are not expected to have a major impact.

"Things are still unfolding (but) I don't think it will hit us," said Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, vice chief of air staff. "Our position is very strong, our relations with both countries are very good. We are evaluating, there will be certain difficulties but it should not affect us too much. I am confident that it won't affect us significantly."


'Can Adjust to Current Situation'
The air force has already received the first batch of the S-400 system and is dependent on Russian suppliers for spares and parts for its fighter fleet, the majority of which is of Russian origin. While efforts have been made towards indigenisation, regular supplies from Russia remain critical to keeping the fleet operational.

Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador-designate, said mechanisms exist for bilateral defence trade but much will depend on the readiness of Indian partners to continue doing business. "As regards the bilateral trade in defence areas, we have the means of transactions independent of the western financial mechanisms," Alipov said. "There are ways of continuing business and we don't have any worries about that. It is a question of adjusting to the current situation."

He urged Indian companies to have confidence in trade with the country. "Much will depend on the readiness of Indian partners to continue business because some of them are overcautious as regards to their exposure to the US and European markets," he said.