S-400 missile defense system deal is already streamlined: Air Force rubbed off allegations

New Delhi, February 14: Responsible ruling government have chalked out a definite framework of action to pursue the programs and policies for which they stand. The opposition is on its toes as 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign is on its fast track mode. Media reports are creating confusion for the masses. On this background, it creates a blaze of misconception on media reports which was clarified by Air Force Authorities.

"We have had a lot of acquisitions from Russians and Americans earlier." Said Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla.

India's S-400 missile defence system deal with Russia doesn't have a "sovereign guarantee" as the process of inter-government agreements with countries like Russia and the US are already "streamlined", top Air Force officers said on Tuesday.

The statement comes at a time when a controversy has erupted over a media report about the government has made concessions by allegedly dropping some key clauses relating to anti-corruption penalties and sovereign guarantee in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

"The process of the government-to-government agreement with Russia and America are generally already streamlined, or should I say evolved. With other countries, it may not have evolved, as the government-to-government (agreement)... may have been the first or just initiated," he said.

The S-400 deal was inked by India with Russia in October last year to procure a batch of the missile systems at a cost of Rs. 40,000 crore. India went ahead to seal the deal despite sanction warnings from the US.

On 15 October 2016 during the BRICS Summit, India and Russia signed an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) for the supply of five S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. On 5 October 2018, India and Russia signed Rs 40,000CR deal for five S-400 missile systems. The deliveries are expected to commence in 24 months, by the end of 2020.