Russia has reportedly assured India that there will be no delay in the delivery of the S-400 air defence systems to India and a payment mechanism for the deal is being worked out.

According to reports, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has reportedly said the missile systems will significantly enhance India’s air defence capability.

Last week, the government informed Lok Sabha that it will start receiving the missile systems from Russia from October next year and the deliveries will be completed by April 2023.

India inked an agreement with Russia in October last year to procure a batch of the missile systems at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. India went ahead to seal the deal notwithstanding the US’ warnings against it.

There were apprehensions about the payment mechanism for the deal in the wake of the US sanctions against Russia.

“India would receive the systems as agreed upon in due time, without any delays. And, your (India’s) national security will be enhanced substantially,” Ryabkov told reporters.