Vladimir Putin arrives in India, $5-billion S-400 defence deal key focus

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday arrived in India for a two-day visit during which the two countries are expected to sign a 5 billion US dollar deal for Russian S-400 missile systems despite the spectre of US sanctions. India's External Affairs Ministry says Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on Friday and oversee the signing of a slew of agreements. India and Russia have a close relationship that dates back to the Cold War, when the US tilted toward Pakistan, India's neighbour and archrival.