World War 3 fears as India signs £4bn missile deal with Russia in DEFIANCE of US sanctions.

INDIA has defied US sanctions to strike a £4.18bn defence deal with Russia ahead of Vladimir Putin’s visit to the country.

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India is buying five S-400 Triumf missile systems from Russia (Image: GETTY)

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The purchase of five S-400 Triumf air defence systems flies in the face of US sanctions against Moscow which forced India to freeze payments of more than £1.54bn.

India’s government had previously appeared apprehensive about buying military supplies from Russia in breach of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

But a senior Indian Ministry of Defence official said: “We already have communicated our stand on the subject to Washington.”

India will probably seek a waiver from the US authorities but sources in Washington said this was not guaranteed and warned the deal could lead to sanctions.

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The programme was approved earlier this week by the Indian government’s highest defence approval body, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A formal government-to-government contract is expected to be announced during the 19th India-Russia summit on October 5.

Amit Cowshish, a former former financial adviser on defence acquisition for the Indian MoD said: “Apparently, the Indian defence establishment is convinced that S-400 Triumf system is ideally suited to fill a critical gap in our existing capabilities.

“That being the case, there is no reason for India to buckle under the US pressure to roll back procurement of hardware from Russia.”

India has ordered the missiles in defiance of US sanctions (Image: GETTY)

The Russian-built S-400 is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 250 miles and can simultaneously engage up to six targets.

Each S-400 unit comprises tracking and search radar systems, eight launchers, 112 guided missiles, and command and support vehicles. The first missile system will be delivered by the end of 2020.

India is also expected to announce a £1.69bn government-to-government contract with United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia for two Krivak-class stealth frigates.

In addition, an intergovernmental agreement will be inked for the joint production of AK-103 assault rifles in India.

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Until last month, CAATSA also affected India’s purchase of spare parts, components, raw materials and other assistance for which Indian entities are dependent on Russia for domestic licence manufacturing and maintenance of existing equipment.

India now wants a new 10-year framework agreement with Russia to manufacture and upgrade at least a dozen types of Russian armament systems in India, including for Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters, Mi-series helicopters, Kamov helicopters, T-90 tanks, artillery guns and Smerch multi-barrel rocket launcher systems