India and Russia signed an agreement in 2016 to buy the 'Triumf' S-400 missile system in 2016 but the US law CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) could be a hurdle.
Top officials in the security establishment in New Delhi are keenly tracking developments as the US imposed sanctions on China for buying Russian Sukhoi fighter jets and S-400 missiles.
India and Russia signed an agreement in 2016 to buy the 'Triumf' S-400 missile system in 2016 but the US law CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) could be a hurdle.
The Act allows US government to impose sanctions on military deals with Russia and mandates the Donald Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.
However, officials tracking the developments on the deal say there has been an understanding between the two countries and the US law should not come in the way of the deal.
Officials said there is an understanding with the US government that with regards to India there needs to be a different position.
The defence equipment has the capability to bring down aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km and is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.
The missile system will strengthen India's air defence system and once procured could be used along the India-China border, sources say.
According to reports, the US government on Friday said that purchase of military platforms like the Triumf from Russia would be considered as a "significant transaction" and could impose sanctions as US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to the effect.
Sources said that negotiations with Russia for the S-400 missile deal are nearing conclusion.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier said that India's military ties with Russia had endured several decades and this had been conveyed to the US. She said it may take two-and-a-half to four years to implement the S-400 missile deal after it is signed.
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