New Delhi: India is expected to sign defence deals worth over ₹50,000 crore with Russia for buying S-400 air defence missile systems and warships during President Vladimir Putin’s visit starting October 4.

“The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already cleared the ₹35,000 crore deal for the S-400 Triumf air defence systems while the proposal for buying four Kripal class frigates of which two would be built by Goa Shipyard Limited is expected to be approved before the Putin visit,” government sources told MyNation.

The S-400 missile deal is being signed by the government despite being under pressure from the Americans as there were possibilities of the imposition of sanctions over buying Russian weaponry. The five S-400 missile systems would be deployed by the Air Force along the Pakistan and China borders and can take down enemy aircraft, missiles and drones at ranges up to 400 kilometres. 

The air defence missile system is likely to give India an edge over China and Pakistan as it will virtually seal the airspace around India for any enemy to carry out an attack on it. 

Meanwhile, the over ₹15,000 crore deal for buying four Talwar Class-follow on warships for the Indian Navy are likely to increase the Navy’s firepower as the advanced vessels fitted with BrahMos missiles would help in meeting the shortage of vessels in the force.

As per the plan, two warships would be built in Russia while the two would be made in India by the Goa Shipyard Limited as it was nominated as the partner by the Defence Ministry in 2016.

Private shipyards such as Pipavav Shipyard were also keen to take part in the project but the government had decided to involve only PSUs for the important project.