Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 13
The US has expressed its dilemma on considering sanctions for India’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense systems.
James O said, “I think we have to see what the balance is… The administration made it clear that it is discouraging India from going ahead with the acquisition of Russian equipment, and particularly with regard to relations with China.” with important geo-strategic considerations.” Brien named US President Joe Biden as coordinator of the Sanctions Policy to Combat America’s Adversaries through the Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
O’Brien James, speaking in front of the US Senate, said, “It is difficult to compare the two situations – a NATO ally (Turkey) that is severing heritage and India, a partner of growing importance, but its legacy ties with Russia. Huh.” His confirmation hearing for the post.
Turkey, India and China have bought S-400 systems but only Turkish and Chinese companies approved under CAATSA, a US domestic law introduced during the Trump era, have yet to act against India .
India signed a $5 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to buy five units of the S-400 air defense missile system, though the US administration warned that such a move could lead to sanctions. But in recent days, US senators have also started flagging India’s purchase of naval warships from Russia.
When asked about the possibility of US sanctions for buying S-400 missile systems, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in November last year that, “India pursues an independent foreign policy and its defense acquisitions are based on its national security interests.” are directed.
Two senators, Mark Warner and John Cornyn, have said that although India has signed a deal with Russia for the purchase of the S-400 missile system, there has been a decline in such transactions. A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated that, “the Indian Army cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment and will continue to rely on its weapon systems in near and middle terms”.
When it comes to the crisis, New Delhi may not need the help of the two co-chairs of the India Caucus in the US Senate, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in 2019, “I am not sure of my powers of persuasion.” I am quite sure. , It would be my hope that people understand why this transaction is important to us.”