Latest news with #S400
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ajit Doval to Visit Moscow, likely to push for early delivery of the remaining S400 air defence systems
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is likely to visit Moscow next week. He is likely to push the Russian government for early delivery of the remaining two S400 air defence system amid reports of fresh orders for the same system for the Indian military. Doval's visit will be preceded by a visit of Indian MPs to Moscow beginning Thursday. The visit assumes significance in the backdrop of Indian air strikes in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor and the role played by BrahMos missiles , an India-Russia joint venture, and the S-400 system. A few other Russian-origin defence systems also came handy during the conflict. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký What India now seeks is a stronger political understanding from Russia in countering Pakistan-based terror infrastructure in keeping with India-Russia strong security and strategic partnership. Russia is not only a P5 state but it remains a significant Eurasian power and the India-Russia partnership has often counter-balanced other big powers in Eurasia. Moscow has been among India's closest counter-terror partners for decades, a source informed. NSA is expected to participate in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues that will take place in Moscow from May 27 to 29, chaired by Russia's Security Council secretary Sergey Shoigu and will hold bilateral meetings with his various counterparts on the sidelines, including with Shoigu. Live Events
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ceasefire means a tight-rope walk
Dr Jagdish Batra is a senior academic, currently working as Professor of English at O.P. Jindal Global University, India. He has nearly four decades of teaching and research experience. His area of specialization is Indian English Fiction on which he has presented papers at many international conferences in Europe and South East Asia. A Rotary Study Exchange Scholar to USA, Dr Batra has published eight books besides some sixty research papers and a number of general articles/blogs etc. LESS ... MORE It is the general feeling that the ceasefire announcement made by the government has dampened the spirit, not only of the army men, but also of people at large in the country. It does not fully address the issues which impelled the launch of the Sindoor operation. Midway, the campaign has been forced to stop without fully achieving our objectives, which reminds one of how Nehru did in 1948 when a successful operation was on in Kashmir against the Pakistan intruders camouflaged as tribals. However, the situation is not that simple and many aspects need attention. So far as mediation is concerned, going to the negotiating table now would be akin to the Tashkent talks mediated by Russia or post-Kargil negotiations mediated by America. So, if talks of mediation are true it will not be the first time that India would agree to such a proposal. But we must remember that in both these situations, India was the loser. It seems our government did not want to offend President Donald Trump who is sought to be on the same page as India in the face of threat from China. But one can't really trust America, which has failed to supply essential arms during previous wars, while Russia has been a consistent ally. Placating Trump may mean creating wedge with Russia whose S400 missile system has been so effective this time in thwarting the volley of drones shot by Pakistan. Also worrying is Trump's reported claim of American mediation in solving the long-standing Kashmir issue? That will indeed be going back on public proclamations at home and at UN fora refusing third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue. That would also be against the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan. Trusting America as a fair arbiter is fraught with risks. Trump's role in trying to mediate in Arab-Israel or Russia-Ukraine wars does not evoke any optimism. That apart, one feels baffled because the PM had talked of the final settlement (aar-paar ki ladai) and teaching lesson to the terrorists' patrons (aakaas). All defence experts and generals were unanimous in claiming a positive scenario for effecting the break-up of Pakistan and consequently final relief from terrorism for India. Surely, the Balochis and the Pashtuns as also Afghans were waiting for it. Several leaders of the ruling dispensation assured that it was a pause, and not a full stop to the Operation Sindoor, which meant that the operation had been suspended for time being, and may start again. How far this will prove to be true – only time will tell. Indian public at large is confused about the so called distinction between fighting Pakistan and fighting terrorists. It seems more of hair-splitting since the government has always been blaming Pakistan as the progenitor and disseminator of terrorism throughout the world. How can it now separate the two? While effecting the 'pause' in the operation, the government must ponder over the Hamas strategy of war adopted by Pakistan when it sent out barrages of drones across the border – whether to wreck destruction or to monitor army presence in India. Pakistan's acceptance of ceasefire, if seen through the Hamas lens, means seeking time to replenish military supplies, repairing the defunct air attack shield and airfields, etc. in order to launch fresh offensive later. Experience tells us that Pakistan has never cared for making good its promises, much less observing the ceasefire norms over the last seven decades. The leopard will not change its spots now. There is no doubt that the situation is very complex with the other two neighbours – China and Bangladesh being hostile to India. At best, the government's intention is to present the image of a country that believes in fair dealings, so that the 'pause' will give the world the idea that India has tried its best to thwart a full-fledged war. It is indeed a tight-rope walk and one wishes the country comes out of this predicament victorious. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Russia Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russian shield for India: How S-400s gave New Delhi an edge over Pakistan
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines when he publicly credited Russia's S-400 'Triumf' air defense system with playing a key role in the country's response to recent Pakistani strikes. More than a political gesture, Modi's remarks marked the first confirmed combat use of the S-400 by Indian forces. 'Platforms like the S-400 have given unprecedented strength to the country,' he said while standing before the system. 'A strong security shield has become the identity of India.' He also noted that India now has access to military technology that its adversaries – chiefly Pakistan – simply can't match. Coming amid a real military confrontation, his words carried unmistakable weight. The clash erupted during India's counterterrorism operation 'Sindoor.' Pakistan responded with strikes on Indian military infrastructure using drones, precision-guided munitions, and air-to-ground missiles. For the first time, India deployed its Russian-made S-400s in combat, stationing them in the strategically sensitive states of Punjab and Rajasthan. According to reports, the system successfully neutralized incoming threats before they even entered Indian airspace. Debris found on Pakistani territory suggests that ultra-long-range 40N6E missiles may have been used, capable of taking down targets from up to 370 kilometers away. Military analyst Mikhail Khodaryonok summed it up bluntly: The ultimate test for any weapon system is war. That's where it either proves itself – or fails completely. He believes the S-400 not only met but exceeded expectations during Russia's own military campaign, successfully intercepting a wide range of targets – from SCALP cruise missiles and tactical ballistic rockets to drones and MLRS projectiles. Now, it has proven itself again – this time in South Asia. India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five regimental units of the S-400 after an exhaustive review of the country's long-term defense needs. The country's primary concerns: China and Pakistan. At the time, China had already secured its own S-400 systems and was reportedly planning to deploy them in Tibet, just across the border from India. Delivery to India began in 2021, and the final shipments are scheduled for 2025. With each new deployment, India extends a sophisticated 'air defense umbrella' across more of its vulnerable frontier. The decision to buy the S-400 was driven by its standout capability to intercept virtually any airborne threat: aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, smart bombs, and ballistic missiles. No other air defense system on the market offers this level of versatility. Khodaryonok points out that if the coordinates are known, the S-400 can even be used to strike ground targets – though that's not its primary function. Equally important for India, the system integrates smoothly with the country's existing command infrastructure, which still bears the hallmarks of Soviet and Russian design. For India, adopting the S-400 wasn't just a technical upgrade – it was an evolution built on decades of military-technical continuity. The American-made Patriot system is often cited as an alternative, but the two platforms reflect fundamentally different doctrines. The Patriot was developed during the Cold War to protect NATO forces from enemy aircraft and short-range missiles. Its fire zones are narrow, and it can take up to 25 minutes to fully deploy – an eternity in a fast-moving conflict. The S-400, on the other hand, was designed to provide wide-area coverage as part of a national air defense grid. It takes just five minutes to deploy and can simultaneously track up to 300 targets. Its engagement range extends up to 400km in distance and 35km in altitude. As Khodaryonok put it, 'In almost every key metric, Patriot falls short of Triumf – especially in range, target variety, and electronic countermeasures.' The missile loadouts tell the story too: S-400 uses a broad mix: 48N6 (up to 250 km), 9M96M (up to 130 km), 40N6E (up to 370 km), and 9M100 for short-range defense. The Patriot relies mainly on MIM-104 and ERINT, with far fewer options. The S-400's biggest advantage might just be its price-to-performance ratio. When China purchased two S-400 regiments, the price tag exceeded $3 billion. For India, each regiment cost around $1 billion. That's enough to defend an area roughly 1,000 by 500 kilometers against simultaneous attacks by hundreds of aircraft and missiles. By contrast, equipping India with enough Patriot systems for comparable coverage would cost several times more. A single Patriot battery alone is often priced similarly to an entire S-400 regiment – despite offering much less coverage and flexibility. India's choice, in this light, wasn't just practical. It was strategic – and smart. Only a handful of nations can produce air defense systems like the S-400. So far, China, India, and Turkey have officially acquired the system. But dozens of countries – from Saudi Arabia and Algeria to Iran and even Latin American states – have expressed an interest. 'There's a waiting list for the S-400—and it keeps growing,' says Khodaryonok. 'Quality weapons don't come cheap. But nations that prioritize defense choose Triumf.' Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 despite threats of US sanctions shows just how powerful that appeal can be. For many, it's not just a weapons purchase – it's a step toward greater strategic autonomy. Once all five regiments are in place, India will be able to shield its entire northern and western borders, as well as critical coastal zones in the south—vital for securing trade routes and deterring precision air strikes. What's being built is more than just a missile shield. It's a multi-layered, autonomous defense system designed to withstand massive air raids, drone swarms, hypersonic threats, and saturation missile attacks. The recent conflict with Pakistan was a turning point. For the first time, India brought high-end Russian technology into real combat – and saw firsthand what it could do. The S-400 didn't just stop enemy missiles. It sent a message. The S-400 'Triumf' isn't just another piece of hardware. It's a political lever, a pillar of strategic independence, and a cornerstone of airpower in South-East Asia.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karan Kundrra lauds PM Narendra Modi as he joins Jawans at Adampur Air Base; says 'It felt personal as my Dad joined the Airforce...'
paid a visit to the on Tuesday, following his national address. During his visit, he spent time with the jawans, engaging in conversations and acknowledging their contribution. Prime Minister Modi praised the bravery and dedication of the during his visit to the Adampur Air Base and firmly stated that the country will not bow to any . Many celebrities applauded his address, including actor , who took to social media to express his admiration for the Prime Minister's strong message. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karan wrote, "Posing with the S400 at Adampur was the most badass move by Modi ji!!!." Karan shared that Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Adampur Air Base held special meaning for him, as his father—who once served in the Indian Air Force—began his career at the very same base. He shared, "It felt personal coz my family belongs to Adampur and my Dad joined the airforce in his youth from there.. my Dad says he owes everything he is today coz of the training, education and discipline he acquired with the IAF. .! ." Just like Karan, Bollywood star shared a few pictures on social media featuring , , and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Adampur Air Base. Along with the images, Varun wrote a heartfelt caption, "The entire nation united as one giving one clear message to the world that India will speak one language when it comes to terrorisim. We are a secular country where our brave men and women in the armed forces will protect us. In eternal debt to our nations armed forces and their families for their sacrifices. Bharat hum ko jaan se pyaara hain. Jai Hind." 'Yeh baatein ho kyun rahi hai?'- Huma Qureshi says she never felt different being a Muslim in India, actress responds to PM Modi being questioned in US about protection of Muslim rights
Russia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russian shield for India: How S-400 gave New Delhi an edge over Pakistan
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines when he publicly credited Russia's S-400 'Triumf' air defense system with playing a key role in the country's response to recent Pakistani strikes. More than a political gesture, Modi's remarks marked the first confirmed combat use of the S-400 by Indian forces. 'Platforms like the S-400 have given unprecedented strength to the country,' he said while standing before the system. 'A strong security shield has become the identity of India.' He also noted that India now has access to military technology that its adversaries – chiefly Pakistan – simply can't match. Coming amid a real military confrontation, his words carried unmistakable weight. The clash erupted during India's counterterrorism operation 'Sindoor.' Pakistan responded with strikes on Indian military infrastructure using drones, precision-guided munitions, and air-to-ground missiles. For the first time, India deployed its Russian-made S-400s in combat, stationing them in the strategically sensitive states of Punjab and Rajasthan. According to reports, the system successfully neutralized incoming threats before they even entered Indian airspace. Debris found on Pakistani territory suggests that ultra-long-range 40N6E missiles may have been used, capable of taking down targets from up to 370 kilometers away. Military analyst Mikhail Khodaryonok summed it up bluntly: The ultimate test for any weapon system is war. That's where it either proves itself – or fails completely. He believes the S-400 not only met but exceeded expectations during Russia's own military campaign, successfully intercepting a wide range of targets – from SCALP cruise missiles and tactical ballistic rockets to drones and MLRS projectiles. Now, it has proven itself again – this time in South Asia. India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five regimental units of the S-400 after an exhaustive review of the country's long-term defense needs. The country's primary concerns: China and Pakistan. At the time, China had already secured its own S-400 systems and was reportedly planning to deploy them in Tibet, just across the border from India. Delivery to India began in 2021, and the final shipments are scheduled for 2025. With each new deployment, India extends a sophisticated 'air defense umbrella' across more of its vulnerable frontier. The decision to buy the S-400 was driven by its standout capability to intercept virtually any airborne threat: aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, smart bombs, and ballistic missiles. No other air defense system on the market offers this level of versatility. Khodaryonok points out that if the coordinates are known, the S-400 can even be used to strike ground targets – though that's not its primary function. Equally important for India, the system integrates smoothly with the country's existing command infrastructure, which still bears the hallmarks of Soviet and Russian design. For India, adopting the S-400 wasn't just a technical upgrade – it was an evolution built on decades of military-technical continuity. The American-made Patriot system is often cited as an alternative, but the two platforms reflect fundamentally different doctrines. The Patriot was developed during the Cold War to protect NATO forces from enemy aircraft and short-range missiles. Its fire zones are narrow, and it can take up to 25 minutes to fully deploy – an eternity in a fast-moving conflict. The S-400, on the other hand, was designed to provide wide-area coverage as part of a national air defense grid. It takes just five minutes to deploy and can simultaneously track up to 300 targets. Its engagement range extends up to 400km in distance and 35km in altitude. As Khodaryonok put it, 'In almost every key metric, Patriot falls short of Triumf – especially in range, target variety, and electronic countermeasures.' The missile loadouts tell the story too: S-400 uses a broad mix: 48N6 (up to 250 km), 9M96M (up to 130 km), 40N6E (up to 370 km), and 9M100 for short-range defense. The Patriot relies mainly on MIM-104 and ERINT, with far fewer options. The S-400's biggest advantage might just be its price-to-performance ratio. When China purchased two S-400 regiments, the price tag exceeded $3 billion. For India, each regiment cost around $1 billion. That's enough to defend an area roughly 1,000 by 500 kilometers against simultaneous attacks by hundreds of aircraft and missiles. By contrast, equipping India with enough Patriot systems for comparable coverage would cost several times more. A single Patriot battery alone is often priced similarly to an entire S-400 regiment – despite offering much less coverage and flexibility. India's choice, in this light, wasn't just practical. It was strategic – and smart. Only a handful of nations can produce air defense systems like the S-400. So far, China, India, and Turkey have officially acquired the system. But dozens of countries – from Saudi Arabia and Algeria to Iran and even Latin American states – have expressed an interest. 'There's a waiting list for the S-400—and it keeps growing,' says Khodaryonok. 'Quality weapons don't come cheap. But nations that prioritize defense choose Triumf.' Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 despite threats of US sanctions shows just how powerful that appeal can be. For many, it's not just a weapons purchase – it's a step toward greater strategic autonomy. Once all five regiments are in place, India will be able to shield its entire northern and western borders, as well as critical coastal zones in the south—vital for securing trade routes and deterring precision air strikes. What's being built is more than just a missile shield. It's a multi-layered, autonomous defense system designed to withstand massive air raids, drone swarms, hypersonic threats, and saturation missile attacks. The recent conflict with Pakistan was a turning point. For the first time, India brought high-end Russian technology into real combat – and saw firsthand what it could do. The S-400 didn't just stop enemy missiles. It sent a message. The S-400 'Triumf' isn't just another piece of hardware. It's a political lever, a pillar of strategic independence, and a cornerstone of airpower in South-East Asia.
