NEW DELHI: Amid fears of U S sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat Sunday asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow.



India and Russia concluded the deal notwithstanding the US warning that it would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians.

Gen. Rawat, who returned Saturday night after a six-day visit to Russia, held talks with military officials of that country to enhance bilateral cooperation.

He said the Russians were very keen on associating with the Indian Army and defence forces because they do understand that we are a strong Army, capable of standing up for what is right for us, based on our strategic thought process."

The Army chief was speaking at the Gen. K V Krishna Rao Memorial lecture here.





I told them while we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions, President Vladimir Putin and Mr. Narendra Modi, at this juncture, are signing the treaty on purchase of S-400 weapon system in spite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future, the Army chief said.


