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India to Pursue Independent Policy Despite Sanctions Threat Over S-400 – General

© Sputnik / Sergey Malgavko / Go to the mediabankS-400 missile systems. File photo
S-400 missile systems. File photo - Sputnik International
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The $5.4 billion deal to supply Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missiles to India was signed by the two countries in New Delhi on Friday. The delivery of the S-400s is reportedly due to begin in October 2020.

India's Chief of Amy Staff General Bipin Rawat has signaled his country's resolve to pursue an independent policy in the face of looming US sanctions over New Delhi's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.

"When Russians asked about the American sanctions, my reply was, 'Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy. You can be rest assured. While we may be associating with America in getting some technology, we follow an independent policy'," Rawat underscored.

READ MORE: From Su-57 to Project 75I: Why India Views Russia as Essential Strategic Partner

He added that Russia is "very keen" on collaborating with the Indian Army because "we are a strong army, capable of standing up for what is right for us, based on our strategic thought-process."

Rawat also said that the Indian Armed Forces are considering purchasing Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Russia.

The statement came following Rawat's six-day visit to Russia where he met the country's highest-ranking military officials to discuss bilateral defense cooperation.

READ MORE: India-Russia Collaboration Can Change Global Aviation — Indian Minister

Earlier, the Russian President's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that India and Russia had signed the $5.4 billion S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile deal on Friday during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi.

The delivery of the five advanced S-400 batteries will reportedly begin in October 2020 despite the looming threat of US financial sanctions against India.

READ MORE: US Sanctions Against Moscow Not Affecting Russia-India Cooperation – Envoy

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The US has repeatedly tried to prevent other countries from buying the S-400 systems from Russia, particularly by invoking its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which stipulates punitive measures for any third party that carries out major transactions with sanctioned Russian companies.

For its part, India has more than once made it clear that the US sanctions would not keep it from making crucial purchases from Russia. Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described CAATSA as American legislation rather than a UN law, stressing that India would go ahead with the implementation of the S-400 deal.

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