S-400 is known as Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to China. “Sealing the S-400 deal will be a major focus of Sitharaman’s visit to Russia,” said a person familiar with the deal, which would be one of biggest with Russia in recent years. In February 2016, India and Russia revived talks on the project after a clearance from the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. The issue may also figure during Sitharaman’s visit to Moscow.

Source: Mint March 04, 2018 12:45 UTC