"Hope People Understand...": S Jaishankar Briefs US On Russia S-400 Deal

India has apprised the Donald Trump Administration of its decision to purchase S-400 missile system from Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, exuding confidence that the Americans would appreciate its rationale.

"India has made a decision on the S-400 and we have discussed that with the US government. I am reasonably convinced of the powers of my persuasion (sic)," Mr Jaishankar said, responding to a question from a Russian journalist on the possibilities of US sanctions on India under CAATSA as it goes ahead with its decision to purchase S-400 Triumph missile defence system from the Russia.

"It would be my hope that people understand why this particular transaction is important for us, so I think of your question to me is hypothetical," Mr Jaishankar said, during his appearance at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington DC-based top American think tank.