Russia: Production of S-400 missiles begins; China-India-Russia meet in March 2020
On January 17, 2020, Russia announced that the production of S-400 air defence missile system for India has begun. The missiles are to be delivered by 2025. Russia also announced that the foreign Ministerial meet of Russia, India and China is to be held in March 2020.
Highlights: Missiles
The upgraded version of the S-400 missiles that were previously available only to Russian forces are to be delivered to India by 2025.
China, Russia and India
China was the third country in the world to hold S-400 missiles after Russia and Belarus. India was the fourth country to possess S 400 missiles only after China. Also, it has been announced that China will be the first country to get S500 missile system from Russia.
S500
The S500 missile is still under development and testing phase in Russia. S500 is very much similar to the US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system. S500 is a surface to air missile system with a range of 600 km.
China-India-Russia meet
Russia also announced that the foreign ministers of China, India and Russia is to be held in March 2020. This is the 17th time the ministers of the countries are meeting. Russia is also keen that Kashmir issue will not be brought up at the meet.
Kashmir issue and UNSC
China has lately been raising the Kashmir issue and abrogation of Article 370 in global organizations. Recently, China tried to bring up the Kashmir issue at the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) through a closed-door meet. However, 15-member body voted against China and the issue couldn’t be brought for discussion. China had earlier tried to conduct similar closed-door discussions in August 2019 and couldn’t succeed.
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Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020