'First batch of S-400 on track for delivery' | Economic Times

The maiden consignment of state-of-the-art missile defence system S-400 is on track for delivery this year, Indian ambassador to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has stated.“In the defence field, we have had the very important conclusion of the S-400 contract, which is on track for first deliveries this year,” Varma said during an interview to leading Russian daily Kommersant.“The manufacture and co-production of four Project 1135.6 Frigates, manufacture in India of the world’s most advanced assault rifle –– AK-203 through 100% indigenisation, additional supplies of Su-30 MKI as well as the MiG-29s, additional supplies of the MANGO ammunition & VSHORAD systems, among others are also on track,” the envoy noted.“Our exercises have increased in numbers and sophistication. So, across the board, defence relations between India and Russia have increased manifold. In fact, in these three years, Russia is back in the top spot as our largest defence partner–– more plugged in than others into our Make in India programme. Russia engages in the most advanced defence technologies with India that it does with no other country in the world,” Varma claimed.The ambassador said that besides President Vladimir Putin, who is expected here for the annual summit, the Russian defence minister is also expected to visit India for the Intergovernmental Commission on Defence cooperation this year and the first 2+2 ministerial (Foreign & Defence Ministers) meeting will take place on its sidelines. “I would expect the Modi-Putin bilateral summit to be very productive, very comprehensive. We already have a number of important agreements ready for signing or in advanced stages of discussion.”Energy ties have been a key pillar of the strategic relationship that involves major Indian investments in Russian oil fields. “…we are engaging on some critical energy projects –– Vostok is one, which will bring India squarely into one of the biggest energy projects in the world. A possible Indian investment into Arctic LNG-2 and possible Russian investment into the Paradip cracker plant, will open a new avenue of cooperation in petrochemicals,” Varma said.“A new Gas Task Force will bring in Russia as a major partner, including in the field of hydrogen energy, of importance in the context of climate change. We intend to increase the import of Russian oil to India, which is now just 1% and our minister, Hardeep Puri, who was here in September, said it is our intention to take it to 4%-5% over the next five years,” he said.