India and Russia are expected to ink defence deals worth billions of dollars during the meeting in Goa on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
They include the procurement from Russia of four stealth frigates and five units of the S-400 anti-aircraft system, and the announcement of a joint venture for the manufacture of 200 Kamov-226T helicopters in India.
“The S-400 procurement is an example of our commitment to the relationship. We might have a better relationship with the US but it doesn’t change the content of our relationship with Moscow,” top government sources told The Indian Express.
Sources confirmed that the deal would be worth billions of dollars but did not provide an overall estimate, the missile systems alone may cost $4.5 bn.
The deal for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates will involve the direct supply of two vessels from Russia while another two will be made in India.
Sources said that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be the Indian partner for the JV to manufacture the light multipurpose Kamov-226T helicopters. An Indian private defence manufacturer may be involved at a later stage, said sources.
However, no progress is expected on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) being jointly developed by the two countries, which remains a “sore point” for Moscow, sources said. The R&D contract for the FGFA is not expected to be signed during the meet, as India is yet to make up its mind on various issues related to the fighter aircraft.
S 400 will poss a great threat for PAF supremacy.
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