BrahMos deal with Philippines bilateral, will not be impacted by sanctions on Russia: Indian envoy
07 Apr 2022 14:41:04
New Delhi, April 6: India’s deal with the Philippines to supply the BrahMos missile is a bilateral transaction, and it won't be impacted by sanctions against Russia, said Indian Ambassador to Manila Shambhu Kumaran.
When asked about the possible impact of the Western sanctions on Russia on India’s deal with the Philippines to supply BrahMos missiles, Kumaran said at an online event on Tuesday that it is a bilateral transaction between Manila and New Delhi.
“But definitely, this is an India-Philippines transaction, and I am quite confident that we will be able to move ahead on that bilateral basis,” he added.
The incident had taken place on March 9 following which Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with India the next day. On March 11, the Defence Ministry said the missile was fired accidentally and it landed in Pakistan.
The Philippines sought a clarification from India on BrahMos missile following last month’s incident of the accidental firing of an Indian missile that landed in Pakistan, the envoy suggested.
BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms. In January, India sealed a USD 375 million deal with the Philippines for supplying 3 batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.
When asked about the possible impact of the Western sanctions on Russia on India’s deal with the Philippines to supply BrahMos missiles, Kumaran said at an online event on Tuesday that it is a bilateral transaction between Manila and New Delhi.
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“I think it is very important for us to maintain that this is an India-Philippines transaction. I do not want to downplay the fact that the weapons system was developed and manufactured by Russia and India and there is a strong element of Russian support in the system,” he said.
“But definitely, this is an India-Philippines transaction, and I am quite confident that we will be able to move ahead on that bilateral basis,” he added.
The Western countries have imposed crippling sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
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Asked whether the Philippines had any concerns following the incident of accidental firing, Kumaran said there were queries on it and he had an interaction with Defence Secretary Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana over the issue.
The incident had taken place on March 9 following which Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with India the next day. On March 11, the Defence Ministry said the missile was fired accidentally and it landed in Pakistan.