Russia has started providing some components of the second regiment of the S-400 Triumf missile defence system to India despite its continuing military strikes against Ukraine, people familiar with the development said on Friday.
They added that not all key parts of the regiment have been supplied yet.
The supplies came amid increasing concerns in New Delhi over possible delays in the supply of major military hardware to India by Russia due to the crisis in Ukraine.
Russia has started delivering some components of the second regiment of the S-400 missile system. One of the people cited above said not all key parts of the regiment have been supplied yet.
It is understood that the components supplied included simulators.
Russia had begun delivery of the first regiment of the missile in December. The missile system has already been deployed in such a way that it can cover parts of the border with China in the northern sector as well as the border with Pakistan.
It is learned that the issue of India-Russia defence ties was a topic of discussion during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to India two weeks ago. Russia said last month that there would be no impact of the Western sanctions against it on the supply of S-400 missile systems to India.
As regards the S-400 deal, be assured that it won't be impacted in any way. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said it was a 100 surety. In the last few days, the Western countries have imposed severe sanctions on Russia after its military invasion of Ukraine.
In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract could lead to US sanctions.
Russia is a major supplier of military hardware to India. The two countries are talking about what payment mechanisms can work between them in light of the Western sanctions on Moscow.
India has not yet publicly criticised Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and abstained from the UN platforms in condemning Russian aggression.
India is pressing for a resolution to the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.
Modi had twice spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that India's position on the Ukraine conflict has been'steadfast and consistent' and that it has been seeking immediate cessation of violence.