India has started work on deploying the S-400 Missile Defence System. It is an advanced surface-to-air missile system manufactured in Russia. The first unit of which will become operational in April. The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not shared much information regarding this entire project. But people with knowledge of the matter say that all five units will be deployed in the critical areas to deal with the threat of China.
According to a Hindustan Times report, all five units of the S-400 Missile Defense System are expected to be operational by next year. It is a missile system that can hit enemy aircraft or missiles between 40 km and 400 km. India was buying it under the $5 billion deal (S-400 deal) with Russia in 2018. There has been tension on the border in Ladakh between India and China since May 2020. Fourteen rounds of meetings have been held in this matter, but no solution could be found.
China Has Also Deployed S-400 Missile Defense System
China has deployed two S-400 systems along the LAC at Ngari Gar Gunsa (near Demchok) and Nyingchi (near Arunachal Pradesh). In contrast, the remaining three have been deployed to deal with the Indo-Pacific threat. Meanwhile, the threat of US sanctions on India is also looming.
Which can be imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). America imposes sanctions on countries buying weapons from Russia. It has also imposed sanctions on its NATO ally Turkey because it purchased Russia’s same defence system. But it is believed that India can avoid these restrictions.
America’s Big Concern is China
The biggest concern of America at this time is China. The relations of both countries are passing through a terrible phase. In such a situation, to stop China’s growing influence, it can exempt India from sanctions (CAATSA India).
Many MPs of America have given their opinion on this. James O’Brien was recently named the coordinator of this sanctions policy, indicating that sanctions would not be imposed on India. He emphasized maintaining balance. James O’Brien has been confirmed as the coordinator of the State Department.
O’Brien insists on Balancing.
O’Brien was asked whether the US did to Turkey was a warning or a lesson about India (US Curbs on India). To this, he said, it is difficult to compare both situations. Turkey has done this while being an ally of NATO. Wherein India is an essential partner. And it also has old ties with Russia. India has also clearly said about US sanctions that it has the right to decide if it buys weapons from any country.
The S-400 is Equipped With a Powerful Radar
Talking about the S-400 Missile Defense System, it has a powerful radar, which we can call the heart of the defence system. It can detect multiple targets in different directions and neutralize enemy fighter aircraft, bombers or missiles before striking.
It can threaten the enemy by using missiles with different ranges (Why S 400 is Special). It is so advanced that it is easy to track Chinese fighter jets flying from airports near the Line of Actual Control. With which India can deal with any threat in time.
