With Russia subjected to various sanctions and its likely fallout for India, including the ongoing defence deals, Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal Sandeep Singh said here on Wednesday these curbs will have little impact on the country as it shares strong relations with the US and Russia.
However, India may face difficulties in procuring spare parts for its equipment for two months or so from Russia, he added. His remarks came in the backdrop of apprehensions about the S-400 air defence deal worth Rs 45,000 crores with Russia. While the preliminary equipment for this sophisticated arrived in India a few weeks back, the five missile systems have to come to the country within the next few months.
Moreover, Indian armed forces use Russian and erstwhile USSR origin weapons and they amount to nearly 70 per cent of the inventory. India and Russia have time tested strategic relations.
"We know the geopolitical situation is difficult (currently)… Our relations with Russia will continue," the Vice Chief said at a press briefing here.
Russia started its military offensive against Ukraine on February 24. Western nations, including the US, have imposed major economic and other sanctions on Russia following the offensive.
Asked if US sanctions on Russia will impact the IAF, Singh said, "Things are still unfolding. Our position is very strong and our relations with both the countries have remained (strong) and you have seen that.
"We are evaluating the situation. There will be certain difficulties, there is no doubt about it. But I think it should not affect us too much. I am confident that it won't affect us significantly," he added.
After the offensive began, various western countries — including the US — have decided to block assets of four large Russian banks, impose export controls and sanction oligarchs close to the Russian president.
On the issue of supply of spare parts from Russia to India, he said there is no doubt there will be difficulties for a month or two. "There are sanctions but we have gone through similar issues earlier and maybe, this would be more serious than that... I think it will not affect us critically and I hope for it also," the Vice Chief said.
Replying to another question about upgrade of AN-32 transport planes in Ukraine, he said this aircraft fleet has been upgraded to a large extent. There are about 100 AN-32s with the IAF.
"The upgrade of An-32 aircraft was affected before too when Ukraine was under pressure due to the Crimean issue in 2014 and 2015," he noted. After that, the IAF has significantly indigenised many of the spare parts that needed to be upgraded by Ukraine, the Vice Chief said.