Russia's state corporation Rostec CEO, Sergey Chemezov, said, cited by Russian media, that both countries are currently in talks to launch the local S-400 production line in India.
"Yes, we are discussing the localization [of S-400 production] with India as well", Chemezov told the RBK broadcaster, adding that the closed deals on licensing of local production in India will include SU-30 jets and T-90 tanks.
"We have developed the BrahMos missiles together with them [India], on their territory, together with their scientists", Chemezov pointed out. BrahMos, produced by the BrahMos Aerospace joint venture of Russia's rocket and missile developer NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, is the world's fastest cruise missile.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said earlier that Moscow would deliver S-400 air defence systems to India in strict accordance with a schedule and prepaid contract.
Washington has repeatedly criticized India's defence cooperation with Russia. The United States made an attempt in 2018 to prevent India from reaching the deal with Russia on purchasing the S-400.
The US Department of State said it could impose restrictions on any country engaged in transactions with Russia’s defence sector under its 2017 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
Earlier this week, the Indian Defense Ministry struck a deal with Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport to modernize radar and missile systems of Delhi-class Indian Navy ships. In particular, the contract envisages upgrades for "the Air Defence capability of the P-15 Ships" and a "major overhaul and refurbishment of subsystems".
Chemezov emphasized that Moscow has completely ditched the use of the US dollar with its partners in military contracts, adding that currently there are various options for contract payments, including Russian currency and barter.
"We have already abandoned dollar payments two or three years ago. So, for the most part, we have different paying options. Either in the national currency, or we use the barter system", Chemezov said, adding that all issues related to payments for weapon deliveries to China and India have been resolved.
