Indo-Russian S-400 Deal Likely before Putin’s India Visit Next Month

India and Russia are likely to sign $5.5 billion deal to purchase S-400 air defense missile systems from Moscow ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next month.

“The negotiation with Russia on the S-400 have reached almost the final stage, we'll have to see it if it’s signed before the Russian President’s visit. But the negotiations are almost complete,” Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during a press conference at Indian women's press corps in Delhi Tuesday.

The Indian Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the deal in July this year despite US opposition to the deal. The deal gained preliminary approval from the DAC in 2016. 

The United States stated late last month that they cannot guarantee India a waiver from sanctions if it purchases the S-400 air defence system from Russia.