India To Push For Faster Delivery Of Remaining S-400 Air Defence Systems As NSA Doval Expected To Visit Moscow Next Week: Report

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to visit Moscow next week to push for the accelerated delivery of the remaining S-400 air defence systems, which are currently scheduled for completion by 2026, News 18 reported. 

Doval is expected to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, scheduled from 27 to 29 May.

The event will be chaired by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu. Doval will hold bilateral meetings with Russian officials, including Shoigu, to discuss not just defence deliveries but also broader security cooperation.

During his visit, Doval is likely to advocate for the expedited delivery of the remaining units of the S-400 Triumf air defence systems, originally procured by India in 2018 in a $5.4 billion deal. 

Of the five S-400 squadrons ordered, three have been delivered, while the fourth and fifth are pending, with deliveries anticipated by the end of 2025 and in 2026, respectively. Delays have been attributed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and logistical hurdles.

Reports indicate the system helped shoot down over 300 Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Air Force deployed the S-400s alongside indigenous Akash and Samar systems, Barak-8 missiles, and anti-drone technologies to thwart aerial threats, including Chinese PL-15 missiles and Turkish drones.

The S-400, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is regarded as one of the most advanced long-range air defence systems globally. It is capable of engaging targets at distances up to 400 km and altitudes up to 30 km, making it effective against aircraft, UAVs, cruise and ballistic missiles—even stealth platforms.

Doval’s visit is expected to reinforce India's commitment to its defence partnership with Russia.