International sanctions won't affect S-400 deal with India: Russia

The Russian envoy also said that Moscow remains highly grateful to India for its balanced stand at the United Nations as New Delhi fully understands the depth of the crisis. “We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis,” Denis Alipov said.

MOSCOW: Despite mounting international pressure and harsh sanctions, Russia on Wednesday sought to assure that these pressure tactics won’t affect the deal to supply S-400 missile defence system to India.

“We don't foresee any obstacles as far as S-400 supply to India is concerned; We have routes to continue with this deal unobstructed. Sanctions, old or new, do not interfere in any way,” Denis Alipov, Russian Envoy-designate to India said while addressing a press conference on the impact of sanctions in defence deal with India.

The Russian envoy also said that Moscow remains highly grateful to India for its balanced stand at the United Nations as New Delhi fully understands the depth of the crisis. “We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis,” Denis Alipov said.

To a question about the safety of Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine, he said, “We are working intensely on creating corridor and safe passage for Indians stuck in conflict zones in Ukraine.”

The Russian Ambassador-designate added, “We are in touch with India on the safety of Indians in Kharkiv, Sumy & other conflict zones in Ukraine.”