German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday said that the continuing dependence of India on Russian weapons is not in the interest of his country. The statement was made by the German minister ahead of his visit to New Delhi which is aimed at bolstering security ties.

Pistorius embarked on his first Asia tour after he became the country's defence minister in January.&nbsp;

He participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday and held discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Monday. On Tuesday, Pistorius will be meeting his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

In an interview with a German state-owned broadcaster, while speaking about if Germany will increase arms sales to India to alter the dependence of the country on Russian weapons, Pistorius said, “It is not up to Germany to change that on our own. This is an issue we have to solve jointly with other partners."

“But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-send-two-warships-to-indo-pacific-in-2024-amid-south-china-sea-tensions-600408">Germany to send two warships to Indo-Pacific in 2024 amid South China Sea tensions</a>

<h2>Sale of German submarines to India</h2>

Pistorius further hinted at German submarines' possible sale to India.

“When I will arrive in India, I will be accompanied by representatives of German defence industry companies and I want to send a signal that we are willing to support our reliable partners like Indonesia, and India. And that includes the possibility of delivering submarines, for example,” he added.&nbsp;

According to reports, Germany is a contender for the plan of the Indian Navy to acquire six conventional submarines worth $5.2 billion in an expected deal. The chances of Germany have increased since France’s Naval Group backed out of the project a year ago.

A major defence deal was signed by Germany with India in 1981 which included four HDW Type 209 submarines.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India's Defence Min Rajnath Singh to host US' Lloyd Austin, Germany's Boris Pistorius | World DNA

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Speaking about German policies on defence exports, Pistorius stated, “We have to find a balance between delivering weapons, on the one hand, to our reliable partners, and on the other hand, to control and to limit delivering weapons all over the world. Because we don’t need really so many weapons anymore in the world.”

Pistorius further explained the focus of Germany on the Indo-Pacific by stating that the 21st century will be shaped by the region in terms of freedom of navigation, international economic challenges and security.&nbsp;

"Germany, which has adopted its own Indo-Pacific guidelines, may not have an “active role” in the region but will show a presence by deploying warships in the area," he stated.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday said that the continuing dependence of India on Russian weapons is not in the interest of his country. The statement was made by the German minister ahead of his visit to New Delhi which is aimed at bolstering security ties.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday said that the continuing dependence of India on Russian weapons is not in the interest of his country. The statement was made by the German minister ahead of his visit to New Delhi which is aimed at bolstering security ties. Pistorius embarked on his first Asia tour after he became the country's defence minister in January. He participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday and held discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Monday. On Tuesday, Pistorius will be meeting his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. In an interview with a German state-owned broadcaster, while speaking about if Germany will increase arms sales to India to alter the dependence of the country on Russian weapons, Pistorius said, “It is not up to Germany to change that on our own. This is an issue we have to solve jointly with other partners." “But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do," he added. ALSO READ | Germany to send two warships to Indo-Pacific in 2024 amid South China Sea tensions Sale of German submarines to India Pistorius further hinted at German submarines' possible sale to India. “When I will arrive in India, I will be accompanied by representatives of German defence industry companies and I want to send a signal that we are willing to support our reliable partners like Indonesia, and India. And that includes the possibility of delivering submarines, for example,” he added. According to reports, Germany is a contender for the plan of the Indian Navy to acquire six conventional submarines worth $5.2 billion in an expected deal. The chances of Germany have increased since France’s Naval Group backed out of the project a year ago. A major defence deal was signed by Germany with India in 1981 which included four HDW Type 209 submarines. WATCH | India's Defence Min Rajnath Singh to host US' Lloyd Austin, Germany's Boris Pistorius | World DNA Speaking about German policies on defence exports, Pistorius stated, “We have to find a balance between delivering weapons, on the one hand, to our reliable partners, and on the other hand, to control and to limit delivering weapons all over the world. Because we don’t need really so many weapons anymore in the world.” Pistorius further explained the focus of Germany on the Indo-Pacific by stating that the 21st century will be shaped by the region in terms of freedom of navigation, international economic challenges and security. "Germany, which has adopted its own Indo-Pacific guidelines, may not have an “active role” in the region but will show a presence by deploying warships in the area," he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s dependence on Russian arms 'not in Germany's interest', says defence minister

South Africa's foreign ministry released a statement on Friday noting that US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety had 'apologised' unreservedly and admitted to having crossed a line after he said a Russian ship had picked up weapons from the country last year.

South Africa's foreign ministry released a statement on Friday noting that US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety had 'apologised' unreservedly and admitted to having crossed a line after he said a Russian ship had picked up weapons from the country last year. Brigety took to Twitter to state he had spoken with the foreign minister Naledi Pandor and corrected misimpressions. "I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks. In our conversation, I reaffirmed the strong partnership between our two countries & the important agenda our Presidents have given us," he tweeted. I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks. In our conversation, I re-affirmed the strong partnership between our two countries & the important agenda our Presidents have given us. — Ambassador Reuben Brigety (@USAmbRSA) May 12, 2023 × South Africa’s head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela also confirmed the apology but asked Brigety to make a much docile public apology. "He [Brigety] committed to making the apology public as he has done. I guess his choice of language is the issue. @USAmbRSA you may want to clarify. We are happy with the apology you offered in the meeting but the comments here suggest that more was expected from you. I'll leave that to you." He committed to making the apology public as he has done. I guess his choice of language is the issue. @USAmbRSA you may want to clarify. We are happy with the apology you offered in the meeting but the comments here suggest that more was expected from you. I'll leave that to… https://t.co/v8lNhOedZU — Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) May 12, 2023 × WATCH | US ambassador accuse South Africa of supplying arms to Russia × What were the concrete allegations made by the US? On Thursday, Brigety accused the rainbow nation of supplying weapons to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine despite the country’s neutral stance. Brigety claimed that Pretoria had sent weapons and ammunition aboard the Russian cargo ship Lady R docked at a Cape Town naval base in December last year. “We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel and I would bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion,” said Brigety. “The arming of Russia by South Africa...is fundamentally unacceptable.” He also spoke about how senior US officials have “profound concerns” about South Africa not respecting its professed stance of non-alignment and neutrality over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding that this “does not suggest to us the actions of a non-aligned country,” as quoted by Reuters. ALSO READ | US envoy accuses South Africa of supplying arms to Russia; Pretoria fumes over allegations As soon as Brigety made the statement, he invited criticism from the South African government. President Cyril Ramaphosa released a strongly worded statement and called the allegations “disappointing”. “The Ambassador’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation,” said Ramaphosa’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US envoy apologises after alleging South Africa supplied arms to Russia

Russian state news agencies reported late on Sunday that India received arms worth around $13 billion from Russia in the past five years. Moreover, New Delhi has further placed orders with Moscow for weapons and military equipment exceeding $10 billion.

India accounts for around 20 per cent of Moscow's current order book and is the world's biggest buyer of Russian arms. While New Delhi has not openly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for dialogue and diplomacy to solve the conflict.

Dmitry Shugayev, the head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told the agencies that India, China and some Southeast Asian countries have continued to have interest in buying Russian arms.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-smuggled-at-least-18-drones-into-russia-by-boats-state-airlines-report-561271">Iran smuggled at least 18 drones into Russia by boats, state airlines: Report</a>

"Despite the unprecedented pressure on India from Western countries led by the United States in connection with Russia's special operation in Ukraine, it continues to be one of Russia's main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation," Interfax agency quoted Shugayev as saying.

The agency reported that annual arms exports have been about $14-15 billion, with the order book steady at around $50 billion.&nbsp;

Notably, following Ukraine's invasion, several Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, including on arms. Moscow has maintained that it is carrying out a "special military operation".

Russia's S-400 Triumf missile defence systems, short-range surface-to-air missiles systems such as the Osa, Pechora or Strela, as well as Su-30 warplanes, MiG-29 helicopters and drones have been of special interest to Asian countries, Shugayev said.

According to TASS state news agency, Russia is set to present about 200 samples of weapons and military equipment at the 14th international aerospace exhibition Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru.

India is scouting for billions of dollars worth of military planes, completing jetliner deals to meet civilian demand and pressing global aircraft manufacturers to produce more locally at the show this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian state news agencies reported late on Sunday that India received arms worth around $13 billion from Russia in the past five years. Moreover, New Delhi has further placed orders with Moscow for weapons and military equipment exceeding $10 billion.

Russian state news agencies reported late on Sunday that India received arms worth around $13 billion from Russia in the past five years. Moreover, New Delhi has further placed orders with Moscow for weapons and military equipment exceeding $10 billion. India accounts for around 20 per cent of Moscow's current order book and is the world's biggest buyer of Russian arms. While New Delhi has not openly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for dialogue and diplomacy to solve the conflict. Dmitry Shugayev, the head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told the agencies that India, China and some Southeast Asian countries have continued to have interest in buying Russian arms. Also Read | Iran smuggled at least 18 drones into Russia by boats, state airlines: Report "Despite the unprecedented pressure on India from Western countries led by the United States in connection with Russia's special operation in Ukraine, it continues to be one of Russia's main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation," Interfax agency quoted Shugayev as saying. The agency reported that annual arms exports have been about $14-15 billion, with the order book steady at around $50 billion. Notably, following Ukraine's invasion, several Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, including on arms. Moscow has maintained that it is carrying out a "special military operation". Russia's S-400 Triumf missile defence systems, short-range surface-to-air missiles systems such as the Osa, Pechora or Strela, as well as Su-30 warplanes, MiG-29 helicopters and drones have been of special interest to Asian countries, Shugayev said. According to TASS state news agency, Russia is set to present about 200 samples of weapons and military equipment at the 14th international aerospace exhibition Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru. India is scouting for billions of dollars worth of military planes, completing jetliner deals to meet civilian demand and pressing global aircraft manufacturers to produce more locally at the show this week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow supplied India with arms worth $13 billion in last 5 years: Russian agencies

The US is holding “deep talks” with India over the latter’s reliance on Russian arms and oil, CNN reported on Tuesday, quoting a US state department official.

The official claimed that Indian representatives are starting to look at other markets to meet their demands as they try to become less dependent on Moscow for arms purchases.&nbsp;

“India is heavily, heavily dependent on Russia, and that’s something that they did to themselves over some 40 years: first their military and then their energy dependence,” the official was quoted as saying. &nbsp;

“So, we have been in deep conversation with India about the fact that we want to help them have options to diversify here.”&nbsp;

Russian oil has been finding massive takers in the Asian market, with the bulk of purchases coming from India and China. &nbsp;

Moscow has been offering oil under heavy discounts as rising energy prices following the West’s sanctions.&nbsp;

India meets 83 per cent of its oil needs through imports, making it vulnerable to external shocks. Hence despite pressures from the West, New Delhi decided to pursue its interests to meet the domestic demands. &nbsp;

In 2021-22, the country’s oil import bill ballooned to $119 billion, stretching government finances and weighing on the post-pandemic economic recovery.&nbsp;

But ever since it started importing from Russia this year, India saved around 350 billion rupees ($43 million approx.), The Times of India newspaper reported.

At a seminar earlier this month, Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that importing oil from Russia was part of the inflation management strategy and other countries were also doing something similar.&nbsp;

India has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China. &nbsp;

Russian oil accounts for 12 per cent of the country’s total oil purchase against less than 1 per cent before the war.

According to Reuters, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier in July, throwing Saudi Arabia to the third spot. Although Riyadh won back its position in August, Russia remains the third-largest oil supplier for India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US is holding “deep talks” with India over the latter’s reliance on Russian arms and oil, CNN reported on Tuesday, quoting a US state department official. The official claimed that Indian representatives are starting to look at other markets to meet their demands as they try to become less dependent on Moscow for arms purchases.

The US is holding “deep talks” with India over the latter’s reliance on Russian arms and oil, CNN reported on Tuesday, quoting a US state department official. The official claimed that Indian representatives are starting to look at other markets to meet their demands as they try to become less dependent on Moscow for arms purchases. “India is heavily, heavily dependent on Russia, and that’s something that they did to themselves over some 40 years: first their military and then their energy dependence,” the official was quoted as saying. “So, we have been in deep conversation with India about the fact that we want to help them have options to diversify here.” Russian oil has been finding massive takers in the Asian market, with the bulk of purchases coming from India and China. Moscow has been offering oil under heavy discounts as rising energy prices following the West’s sanctions. India meets 83 per cent of its oil needs through imports, making it vulnerable to external shocks. Hence despite pressures from the West, New Delhi decided to pursue its interests to meet the domestic demands. In 2021-22, the country’s oil import bill ballooned to $119 billion, stretching government finances and weighing on the post-pandemic economic recovery. But ever since it started importing from Russia this year, India saved around 350 billion rupees ($43 million approx.), The Times of India newspaper reported. At a seminar earlier this month, Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that importing oil from Russia was part of the inflation management strategy and other countries were also doing something similar. India has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China. Russian oil accounts for 12 per cent of the country’s total oil purchase against less than 1 per cent before the war. According to Reuters, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier in July, throwing Saudi Arabia to the third spot. Although Riyadh won back its position in August, Russia remains the third-largest oil supplier for India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US holds talks with India for ending reliance on Russian oil, arms: Report 

President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is ready to offer its “most advance weapons” to its allies and is ready to cooperate in developing military technology.

His remarks came on Monday at the opening of an annual arms show outside Moscow that caters to foreign customers.

The Kremlin leader said that Russia’s arms exports play an important role in the development of a “multipolar word,” —a term Kremlin uses it to describe its efforts to counter what it sees as US global domination.

Noting that the Russian weapons are far advanced from the competition, Putin said that Moscow cherishes its strong ties with Latin America, Asia and Africa, “and is ready to offer partners and allies the most modern types of weapons – from small arms to armoured vehicles and artillery, combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.”

“Almost all of them have been used more than once in real combat operations," he added.

The 69-tear-old hailed the Russian military’s action in Ukraine&nbsp;and thanked the allies for their support, adding Moscow could offer new models and systems.

&nbsp;“We are talking about high-precision weapons and robotics, about combat systems based on new physical principles. Many of them are years, or maybe decades ahead of their foreign counterparts, and in terms of tactical and technical characteristics they are significantly superior to them,” Putin said.

Russia accounts for around 20 per cent of global weapons sales, and is the world’s second-largest arms exporter, behind the US. From 2016 to 2020, Moscow sold $28bn of weapons to 45 countries.

Moscow exports nearly 90 per cent of its arms to 10 countries. Its biggest customer is India, which has bought 23 per cent of Russia’s weapons for some $6.5bn over the past five years. Half of India’s total arms imports, 49.3 per cent, come from Russia, according to Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is ready to offer its “most advance weapons” to its allies and is ready to cooperate in developing military technology.

President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is ready to offer its “most advance weapons” to its allies and is ready to cooperate in developing military technology. His remarks came on Monday at the opening of an annual arms show outside Moscow that caters to foreign customers. The Kremlin leader said that Russia’s arms exports play an important role in the development of a “multipolar word,” —a term Kremlin uses it to describe its efforts to counter what it sees as US global domination. Noting that the Russian weapons are far advanced from the competition, Putin said that Moscow cherishes its strong ties with Latin America, Asia and Africa, “and is ready to offer partners and allies the most modern types of weapons – from small arms to armoured vehicles and artillery, combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.” “Almost all of them have been used more than once in real combat operations," he added. The 69-tear-old hailed the Russian military’s action in Ukraine and thanked the allies for their support, adding Moscow could offer new models and systems. “We are talking about high-precision weapons and robotics, about combat systems based on new physical principles. Many of them are years, or maybe decades ahead of their foreign counterparts, and in terms of tactical and technical characteristics they are significantly superior to them,” Putin said. Russia accounts for around 20 per cent of global weapons sales, and is the world’s second-largest arms exporter, behind the US. From 2016 to 2020, Moscow sold $28bn of weapons to 45 countries. Moscow exports nearly 90 per cent of its arms to 10 countries. Its biggest customer is India, which has bought 23 per cent of Russia’s weapons for some $6.5bn over the past five years. Half of India’s total arms imports, 49.3 per cent, come from Russia, according to Al Jazeera. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Vladimir Putin says Russia ready to offer its ‘most advanced weapons’ to allies

A camera system used in countless Hollywood films and previously known as the 'Russian Arm'&nbsp;has been renamed by its inventors to 'U-Crane'&nbsp;in tribute to the country it came from.

The gyro-stabilized crane mounted on a car roof is used to give dynamic coverage of car chases and stampedes, allowing the audience to swoop alongside a fast-driving hero.

It is a staple of action blockbusters, including the 'Fast and Furious'&nbsp;franchise, 'Black Widow'&nbsp;and pretty much anything starring Tom Cruise.

Up until recently, the device, developed by Kyiv-based Filmotechnic in the 1990s, has been known as the "Russian Arm".

But no more.

"The NEW OFFICIAL name of Filmotechnic's world famous system is now U-CRANE in honor of (its) country of origin and their heroic fight against Russian aggression," the US branch of the firm said on Instagram last month.

"The gyro stabilized crane system was designed and built in Ukraine by Filmotechnic and will continue to be built in Kiev for years to come!"

Trade magazine Variety, which first reported the name change, said Filmotechnic employs around 250 people in under-siege Kyiv.

Kevin Descheemaeker of Filmotechnic USA told the title the name "Russian Arm" had been removed in tribute to Ukrainian film engineer and company owner Anatoliy Kokush, and to the company's Ukrainian employees.

"I emailed our international group to take down all the signage on our arm cars, trucks and trailers, websites and no longer use the hashtag #russianarm," Descheemaeker said in a statement.&nbsp;

"As a group we decided that U-CRANE would be a more respectful alternative and that is how the movement on social media started."

Russian forces attacked Ukraine three weeks ago, forcing millions of civilians to flee their homes, some across international borders.

The invading forces stand accused of targeting schools, hospital and theatres, ignoring established rules of conflict that require civilians to be spared the horrors of war.

A camera system used in countless Hollywood films and previously known as the 'Russian Arm' has been renamed by its inventors to 'U-Crane' in tribute to the country it came from.

A camera system used in countless Hollywood films and previously known as the 'Russian Arm' has been renamed by its inventors to 'U-Crane' in tribute to the country it came from. The gyro-stabilized crane mounted on a car roof is used to give dynamic coverage of car chases and stampedes, allowing the audience to swoop alongside a fast-driving hero. It is a staple of action blockbusters, including the 'Fast and Furious' franchise, 'Black Widow' and pretty much anything starring Tom Cruise. Up until recently, the device, developed by Kyiv-based Filmotechnic in the 1990s, has been known as the "Russian Arm". But no more. "The NEW OFFICIAL name of Filmotechnic's world famous system is now U-CRANE in honor of (its) country of origin and their heroic fight against Russian aggression," the US branch of the firm said on Instagram last month. "The gyro stabilized crane system was designed and built in Ukraine by Filmotechnic and will continue to be built in Kiev for years to come!" Trade magazine Variety, which first reported the name change, said Filmotechnic employs around 250 people in under-siege Kyiv. Kevin Descheemaeker of Filmotechnic USA told the title the name "Russian Arm" had been removed in tribute to Ukrainian film engineer and company owner Anatoliy Kokush, and to the company's Ukrainian employees. "I emailed our international group to take down all the signage on our arm cars, trucks and trailers, websites and no longer use the hashtag #russianarm," Descheemaeker said in a statement. "As a group we decided that U-CRANE would be a more respectful alternative and that is how the movement on social media started." Russian forces attacked Ukraine three weeks ago, forcing millions of civilians to flee their homes, some across international borders. The invading forces stand accused of targeting schools, hospital and theatres, ignoring established rules of conflict that require civilians to be spared the horrors of war.

Filmmakers rename 'Russian Arm' camera system 'U-Crane' after invasion

US sanctions on Russian military exports have put the brakes on a $6 billion deal with India and may derail the arms purchases of other US allies around Asia, experts say.

Under a law that US President Donald Trump signed in August, any country trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors will face sanctions.

The law is designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

But American allies who buy weapons and equipment from Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter, could suffer as well.

The highest-profile example is India, which wants to buy five S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems that the country's military sees as a game changer. The systems are touted as being able to counter the ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft that China is developing while overwhelming the capabilities of Pakistan, India's other main adversary.

The deal, which Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck as part of an inter-government agreement in 2016, has run headlong into the US sanctions law, two officials in Delhi said.

Indonesia and Vietnam also buy weapons from Russia while being regional partners of the United States. Jakarta closed a $1.14 billion pact for Sukhoi fighters recently, while Vietnam is seeking more jet fighter-bombers from Russia.

And with both Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation, which makes the S-400, and Rosoboronexport, which negotiates Russian export deals, listed as under sanction, those deals have become trickier.

"The optics of a major arms purchase from Russia looks quite 'iffy' from the point of view of Western capitals, especially at a time when Russia-West relations are at an all-time low and India seeks strategic convergence with the West, including with the US" said Abhijnan Rej, a defence strategy expert at Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank.

The US-led airstrikes this month against facilities of the Syrian government, an ally of Russia, has further aggravated tensions between the superpowers.

A Russian source close to the Indian S-400 deal said: "a lot will depend on the confidence and sanity of our Indian partners."

Wider impact

The effects of the US sanctions law could be more sweeping than intended, said Cara Abercrombie, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Vietnam, whose air force flies Russian-made Su-30 fighters and uses the S-300 air defence system, wants to continue modernising its inventory.

Vietnamese military scholar Carl Thayer said he believed Moscow was still pushing Hanoi to invest in state-of-the-art S-400 missile defences as part of its long-term military plans.

"I think it is clear that Russia is still pressing Vietnam for big deals," Thayer said, noting that the two countries already have had reciprocal visits by defence ministers this year.

But with the United States working hard to promote sales of American military hardware, and sanctions against Russia's exporting agencies, Vietnam's plans could prove overly costly. 
Indonesia, meanwhile, said the delivery of the first couple of Sukhoi Su-35 jets out of a total of 11 is on track for this year. Officials said that so far they did not anticipate any changes to the deal with the Russians.

Indonesian defence officials declined to describe what, if anything, they might do to tackle the fallout of the sanctions imposed on Russian arms sales.

A thorny problem

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and defence secretary Sanjay Mitra held discussions with US officials in Washington last month to try to find a solution, a second Indian official said.

The issue is crucial to the Indian military, because without Russian parts, supplies and maintenance help, "our ships won't sail, our planes won't fly," the official said. "We can hardly be the regional security provider that America wants us to be at this rate."

One way to avoid secondary sanctions would be if the US determines that India is reducing its dependence on Russian arms, said Atman Trivedi, managing director of Hills & Company, a Washington-based firm that advises on international trade and investment.

Russian hardware represented 62 percent of the country's total weapons imports during the past five years, compared with 79 percent in 2008-2012, the Stockholm Peace Research Institute said in a report last month.

The US administration could also declare that imposing sanctions on India, a major defence partner, would hurt US national security interests. That would allow a waiver permitting India to do business with Russia.

The United States has emerged as India's No. 2 weapons supplier, closing $15 billion worth of deals over the last decade. Now Lockheed Martin and Boeing are leading the race to provide India with a fleet of new fighter-bombers, one of the world's largest open tenders.

"The intent of the legislation was never to disrupt US-India defence relations, which Congress has repeatedly recognised in law as a strategic priority to the US," said Benjamin Schwartz, aerospace and defence head at the United States India Business Council.

Abercrombie of Carnegie added that if Congress grants waivers to India, it may also need to do so for other countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia.

"The bottom line: India warrants an exemption from these secondary sanctions, as does any country with which the US is forging new and strategically important defence relations," she said.

India wants to buy five S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems that the country's military sees as a game changer.

US sanctions on Russian military exports have put the brakes on a $6 billion deal with India and may derail the arms purchases of other US allies around Asia, experts say. Under a law that US President Donald Trump signed in August, any country trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors will face sanctions. The law is designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. But American allies who buy weapons and equipment from Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter, could suffer as well. The highest-profile example is India, which wants to buy five S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems that the country's military sees as a game changer. The systems are touted as being able to counter the ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft that China is developing while overwhelming the capabilities of Pakistan, India's other main adversary. The deal, which Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck as part of an inter-government agreement in 2016, has run headlong into the US sanctions law, two officials in Delhi said. Indonesia and Vietnam also buy weapons from Russia while being regional partners of the United States. Jakarta closed a $1.14 billion pact for Sukhoi fighters recently, while Vietnam is seeking more jet fighter-bombers from Russia. And with both Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation, which makes the S-400, and Rosoboronexport, which negotiates Russian export deals, listed as under sanction, those deals have become trickier. "The optics of a major arms purchase from Russia looks quite 'iffy' from the point of view of Western capitals, especially at a time when Russia-West relations are at an all-time low and India seeks strategic convergence with the West, including with the US" said Abhijnan Rej, a defence strategy expert at Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank. The US-led airstrikes this month against facilities of the Syrian government, an ally of Russia, has further aggravated tensions between the superpowers. A Russian source close to the Indian S-400 deal said: "a lot will depend on the confidence and sanity of our Indian partners." Wider impact The effects of the US sanctions law could be more sweeping than intended, said Cara Abercrombie, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Vietnam, whose air force flies Russian-made Su-30 fighters and uses the S-300 air defence system, wants to continue modernising its inventory. Vietnamese military scholar Carl Thayer said he believed Moscow was still pushing Hanoi to invest in state-of-the-art S-400 missile defences as part of its long-term military plans. "I think it is clear that Russia is still pressing Vietnam for big deals," Thayer said, noting that the two countries already have had reciprocal visits by defence ministers this year. But with the United States working hard to promote sales of American military hardware, and sanctions against Russia's exporting agencies, Vietnam's plans could prove overly costly. Indonesia, meanwhile, said the delivery of the first couple of Sukhoi Su-35 jets out of a total of 11 is on track for this year. Officials said that so far they did not anticipate any changes to the deal with the Russians. Indonesian defence officials declined to describe what, if anything, they might do to tackle the fallout of the sanctions imposed on Russian arms sales. A thorny problem Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and defence secretary Sanjay Mitra held discussions with US officials in Washington last month to try to find a solution, a second Indian official said. The issue is crucial to the Indian military, because without Russian parts, supplies and maintenance help, "our ships won't sail, our planes won't fly," the official said. "We can hardly be the regional security provider that America wants us to be at this rate." One way to avoid secondary sanctions would be if the US determines that India is reducing its dependence on Russian arms, said Atman Trivedi, managing director of Hills & Company, a Washington-based firm that advises on international trade and investment. Russian hardware represented 62 percent of the country's total weapons imports during the past five years, compared with 79 percent in 2008-2012, the Stockholm Peace Research Institute said in a report last month. The US administration could also declare that imposing sanctions on India, a major defence partner, would hurt US national security interests. That would allow a waiver permitting India to do business with Russia. The United States has emerged as India's No. 2 weapons supplier, closing $15 billion worth of deals over the last decade. Now Lockheed Martin and Boeing are leading the race to provide India with a fleet of new fighter-bombers, one of the world's largest open tenders. "The intent of the legislation was never to disrupt US-India defence relations, which Congress has repeatedly recognised in law as a strategic priority to the US," said Benjamin Schwartz, aerospace and defence head at the United States India Business Council. Abercrombie of Carnegie added that if Congress grants waivers to India, it may also need to do so for other countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. "The bottom line: India warrants an exemption from these secondary sanctions, as does any country with which the US is forging new and strategically important defence relations," she said.

US sanctions on Russian arms put brakes on $6 billion deal with India

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