A top Indian general downplayed the significance of his country’s relationship with the United States while talking to Russian officials on Sunday, despite major recent defense agreement between the world’s two largest democracies.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat cited last week’s decision to proceed with the purchase of Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft system, despite U.S. sanctions on Russia’s defense industry, as evidence of India’s independence from American foreign policy wishes. The remarks come just weeks after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis signed a landmark agreement to enhance cooperation on regional defense issues.