A defence deal between India and Russia has not gone down well with the United States and an unofficial report has said that the country does not like India to pursue defence deals with Russia. The report by the US Congress says that the United States may impose sanctions on India for purchasing the S-400 Air Defense System from Russia.
In its latest report, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the independent research arm of the US Congress, has said that India is keen on partnerships and joint production plans in the technology sector, whereas America expects some more reforms in India’s defence policy. Also, the US wants India to adopt a flexible attitude towards foreign investment in its defence sector.
The report warns that due to the S-400 deal, the US may impose sanctions on India under the ‘Counting America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act’ or the law governing prohibitions.
However, it may be noted that the CRS report is not an official report of the US Congress. It is prepared for MPs by independent experts so that they make decisions after understanding everything. Nevertheless, the warning given about the India-Russia deal in the report is definitely a matter of concern.
Instalment Paid
India and Russia are also strategic partners and New Delhi has been dealing with Moscow to meet its defence needs. In October 2018, India signed a five-billion dollar deal with Russia to buy four S-400 defence systems, ignoring the Trump administration’s warning. India also paid $800 million to Russia in 2019 as its first instalment.
America’s warning is also a matter of concern for India because recently, the US has imposed sanctions on Turkey which bought the S-400 system. Although America’s relationship with India is better than Turkey, Biden’s attitude towards New Delhi will be known only later.
On the other hand, Russia has made it clear that American threats will not have any effect on this deal. Last month, Russia said that despite the threat of US sanctions, the first consignment of the S-400 missile system would be supplied on time.
The S-400 is known as Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-surface missile.
