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US continues to warn India of sanctions over missile defence deal with Russia
News
- Trump administration has warned India of US sanctions if it continues with big ticket arm purchases like S-400 missile defence system from Russia.
Important Facts
- Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017(CAATSA):
- It is a US federal law that is designed to punish Russia for its seizure of Crimea and other activities.
- It requires the US to sanction anyone undertaking significant transactions with Russian intelligence and military services, including arms manufacturers.
- S-400 Triumf missile defense system:
- It is one of the world’s most advanced air defense systems that can simultaneously track numerous incoming objects like aircrafts, missiles etc. and launch appropriate missiles to neutralize them.
- Recently USA imposed CAATSA sanctions on China for purchasing SU-35 combat aircraft and S-400 surface-to-air missile system from Russia.
- It is the first time the Trump administration targeted a third country with its CAATSA sanctions.
- India is interested in the S-400 missile defense system and the talks with Russia are in advanced stage.
- The recent warning from US can have an Impact on S-400 missile system deal, which is expected to be signed during President Putin’s visit to India.
- However experts believe that there will be a different treatment of India and China with regards to CAATSA sanctions since:
- America seeks a strategic partnership with India and hence will not alienate India with sanctions.
- The US administration has acquired waiver power to spare allies and friends from such a sanction and officials had earlier indicated that India will be spared from the sanction for the defense deal.
- But the arms lobby in US also intends to use this opportunity to wean India from Russia for its arms needs.
- India has conveyed that it will do what it takes to meet its security requirements regardless of sanction threats.
