New Delhi: Russia on Wednesday said that amid growing tension with Ukraine, sanctions imposed on Moscow in any way will not hamper as far as the supply of S-400 to India is concerned.
Addressing the first-ever online press briefing ever since the invasion started, the Russian ambassador-designate to India Denis Alipov said, "Don't foresee any obstacles as far as S-400 supply to India is concerned; have routes to continue with this deal unobstructed. Sanctions - old or new, do not interfere in any way."
In a major development, India is procuring S-400 missile systems under a $5.43 billion deal despite the US threat of sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions (CAATSA) act.
India is in a diplomatic dilemma as far as its stand on the Russia-Ukraine crisis is concerned. So far, India has taken a very neutral approach because the country shares strong diplomatic and strategic ties with both Russia and the West.
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Given the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several countries including the West have imposed severe sanctions on Russia.
The United States and its allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia’s central bank and sovereign wealth funds. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, European Union, and Canada also announced their penalties against Russia’s central bank.
Condemning Russia's move to invade Ukraine, Washington and its partners cut off key Russian banks from the swift financial messaging system.
Further, when asked about the safety and security concerns of Indians in Ukraine, Alipov said, "We are in touch with the Indian authorities for Indians stranded in Kharkiv, and other areas of eastern Ukraine. We have received India's requests for emergency evacuation of all those stuck there via Russian territory".
He reiterated that Russia is strategically with India.
"We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis", he added.
