Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, it is common to read that Russia is unanimously against it in the world, with the exception of a few satellite dictatorships, such as Syria or Venezuela. While it is true that during the votes at the United Nations, a majority of countries supported the motions against Moscow, many countries, and not the least, preferred to abstain rather than take a position against Russia. This was particularly the case for China, but also for Brazil, South Africa and India, the 4 other members of the BRICS format. While New Delhi has neither condemned nor supported the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, believing that it was a European affair, the Indian authorities have just announced the unilateral and indefinite suspension of negotiations for the acquisition of 10 Kamov Ka-31 naval helicopters near Moscow.
For the Indian authorities, there is no question of taking a position against Moscow, although the decision is indeed linked to the war in Ukraine, or rather to its consequences. Indeed, according to the published press release, New Delhi estimates that from now on, the Russian defense aeronautical industry would no longer be able to meet the deadlines required to produce and deliver the devices intended to arm the new Indian aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, which is due to enter service this summer. For Moscow, this is a hard blow, because of the amount of the contract which obviously represents $520 million, but also because it confirms what, until now, was only rumored : the severe Western sanctions on Russia are now seriously handicapping the country's defense industry.
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