People watch S-300 air defense missile systems launching missiles during the Keys to the Sky competition at the International Army Games 2017 at the Ashuluk shooting range outside Astrakhan, Russia, August 5, 2017.
Russia's deployment of the S-300 anti-aircraft defence system in Syria risks fuelling military escalation and hindering prospects for a political solution to the seven-year conflict, France's foreign ministry said on Friday.
Moscow said on Tuesday it had delivered the surface-to-air missile system after the downing of a Russian spy plane by Syrian forces in September. Russia accused Israel of being indirectly responsible for that act because the Syrian forces had been firing at attacking Israel jets.
"France notes with concern the delivery by Russia of sophisticated anti-aircraft capabilities for the benefit of the Syrian regime," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von Der Muhll told reporters in an online briefing.
"Amid regional tensions, the delivery of such equipment by Russia contributes to maintaining the risk of military escalation and removing the prospect of a political settlement of the Syrian crisis," she said.
Indian and Russia leaders on Friday signed the deal for five Russian S-400 Triumf missile shield systems, according to media reports, with an official statement expected later in the day.After arriving in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Friday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad house where formal talks for the 19th annual India-Russia bilateral summit are going on.The S-400 is one of the world's most advanced long-range air defense systems. India had already indicated that it would go ahead with the S-400 deal, notwithstanding possible sanctions.Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa told reporters, “As and when the government approves it, delivery [of the missiles] will be in 24 months."Video: Putin meets Modi in New Delhi for annual summit talksThe U.S. has warned that under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), it can impose sanctions on any country that has “significant transactions” with Iran, North Korea, or Russia.Separately, the U.S. has urged Turkey against purchasing the S-400 systems, with Turkey insisting this is a national decision.Modi and Putin are also discussing the issues of security challenges in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, the threat of terrorism from Pakistan, and regional and global issues. India is also planning to acquire four Krivak-class frigates from Russia, two of which will be built in India. Under the $2.5 billion deal, two ships will be built at the Goa shipyard and two others will be acquired from Russia. India already operates six similar frigates, said a report in India.This is the third meeting between the Modi and Putin after the informal meeting in the Russian resort city of Sochi in May and a bilateral one on the sidelines of the July BRICS summit in South Africa.India risks US sanctions with $5-bln purchase of Russian missiles
India, Russia sign S-400 air defense system deal