NEW DELHI: The S-400 system and the jointly-manufactured BrahMos missiles were used by India in the conflict with Pakistan and their performance was exemplary, said Russian ambassador Denis Alipov. The ambassador also said that discussions between India and Russia on the procurement of more S-400 air defence system units are “ongoing” as both countries continue to solidify the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.“From what we know, India has clearly stated the goals and undertook actions after having identified the targets and the terrorists it promised to do. As far as we know, during the operation, the S-400 system was used and the BrahMos missiles were engaged. Judging by the reports available, the performance of these weapons was exemplary,” Alipov told IANS news agency.The S-400 was credited with the shooting down of Pakistan drones and missiles during the conflict that followed India’s Operation Sindoor that targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan. While India maintained that it had only hit terrorist camps and its actions on May 7 were non-escalatory, Pakistan chose to launch a military operation against India three days later that was rebuffed by Indian armed forces.India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. India and Russia have been involved in several bilateral projects, including the supply of S-400, licenced production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles.Sources indicate that considering the strategic planning and military preparedness, New Delhi may procure more S-400 air defence systems soon. “Our discussion, on this particular topic, as on many others, is ongoing. It is a continuous one, but it would be incorrect for me and also premature to speak about the results,” confirmed Alipov.He mentioned that Moscow is also “very satisfied” with the ‘Made in India’ BrahMos missiles, a product of joint collaboration with Russia.“We have a joint venture, designing and producing these weapons. We are very satisfied with the results of this collaboration. It has very promising prospects. And, we wish to expand on that track, as on many others that we discussed are in the pipeline or are being implemented already,” Alipov remarked.
