Sanctions against Russia are hurting its trade with other countries, but defence supplies to India have reportedly been on track so far. India recently received simulators and other equipment from Russia for the training squadron of the S-400 Triumf missile defence system, as per news agency ANI.
Interestingly, the S-400 missile deal is a bone of contention between Delhi and Washington, with America still dangling the threat of sanctions against India over the purchase. India has also imported overhauled aircraft engines and spares from Russia in recent days, as per the report.
Although Russia supplies are continuing for now, the future is uncertain, according to defence sources quoted by ANI. The biggest hurdle is that India is finding it hard to make payments to Russia due to sanctions on its banks. Russia has been subjected to sanctions by America and its allies over the Ukraine war. Delhi and Moscow are exploring other options to overcome the transaction problem, as per the report.
While India's first S-400 squadron is ready and operational to take care of the Pakistan and China threats, the second S-400 squadron is a training unit and does not include missiles and launchers, as per ANI. The S-400 is considered a significant addition to India's firepower, especially after China's aggression along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh since 2020.