‘US can’t dictate Russia-India ties’ : The Tribune India

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Interview: Nikolay Kudashev, Russian envoy to India

‘US can’t dictate Russia-India ties’

The first delivery of the S-400 air defence systems is expected by 2020. And regardless of US sanctions’ heat, India and Russia will announce new sizeable defence deals by the start of next year, says envoy Nikolay Kudashev. Excerpts from an interaction with Smita Sharma

‘US can’t dictate Russia-India ties’

Nikolay Kudashev.



The first delivery of the S-400 air defence systems is expected by 2020. And regardless of US sanctions’ heat, India and Russia will announce new sizeable defence deals by the start of next year, says envoy Nikolay Kudashev. Excerpts from an interaction with Smita Sharma: 

What are the key takeaways from Putin-Modi summit talks? 

This was an important and successful visit. It gave the two sides an opportunity to reaffirm the special, privileged, strategic ties and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in international arena as well as bilaterally. Some nine agreements and MoUs were done involving strategic areas of cooperation like space, nuclear energy, transportation. Two sides managed to develop positions on bilateral areas and explore new vistas. 

Why was S-400 not announced by the leaders or mentioned in MoUs’ list?

It was up to leaders. Personally, I think while the S-400 deal is very important one. Largely speaking, this visit was not about S-400 only, but about enhanced connectivity be it politically, economically, transportation or humanitarian.

Is there any clarity on the timeline of transfer of payments or delivery related to the S-400 deal subject to which CAATSA sanctions could kick in if there is no waiver for India? 

I am not familiar with details of the contract. The first delivery is expected by 2020. Naturally, each contract would envisage some advance payment to start implementation. I guess that this contract could take some 4-5 years at least. 

What happens if India does not get CAATSA waiver? How will US sanctions impact other India-Russia military deals in pipeline?

I think a practical solution is available . CAATSA is American law. It has nothing to do with us or with India. As I understand, India would recognise only sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, not otherwise. India is independent, powerful, clever and far-sighted enough to undertake decisions favourable to its national interest. India’s security concerns and bilateral partnership with Russia mean more than CAATSA. Russia and India are old friends and our relationship could stay without American lecture. 

The joint statement has a paragraph on terrorism, but no terror groups or entities, including on Pakistani soil, are named. 

Our cooperation is extensive. The paragraph on terror says both sides condemned support to all kinds of state support to terror and providing safe havens The para is universal and includes all regions where terrorism is present, Pakistan included. 

There was a sense that during Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings that Russia was not in support of grey-listing Pakistan and you have a military pact too. Should this worry India? 

This is not a military pact or alliance, this is rather a working agreement .I am 100 per cent sure that we have been together with the international community, including India, on issues of FATF monitoring, so each and every state have a chance to become better. Pakistan also has a chance to follow recommendations of FATF.

Does Russia feel that India-China should talk of Belt and Roads Initiative? 

This is a Chinese project. Russia is not a party to the BRI. The growing number of countries willing to be part of the BRI says something about the initiative. It is up to India to make its decisions. But issues of connectivity deserve a second look. Issues of sovereignty involved are critical for India. Maybe the two sides could look at some creative solution without any detriment to India's sovereignty.

The US says Russians are undermining their efforts towards stabilising Afghanistan. 

The US does not have a veto on Afghanistan settlement. They are not a regional but an extra-regional power there. We both have our positions. Their practical policy does not seem effective to us. The security situation is dangerous, not stable after 10 or more years of American presence. The strategy has no consistency. I would rather listen to countries in region such as India, China, and Kabul itself. 

What kind of joint programmes will India-Russia undertake in Afghanistan? 

There is no clarity yet. They could be in construction, capacity-building, education areas. 

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