U.S. reiterates threat of sanctions over Triumf deal
U.S. reiterates threat of sanctions over Triumf deal
Context
US made this clear that India should not assume that it will get a waiver from U.S. sanctions if it goes ahead with its purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile system from Russia. Further, Indo-U.S. defence relationship might also get affected.
About
India had signed a $5.4 billion deal to purchase five batteries of the Russian S-400 Triumf missile system, following a 2018 summit between Russian President and Indian Prime Minister in New Delhi.
The deal has run the risk of attracting sanctions from the U.S. under a 2017 law — the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
When payments start being made for the S-400, the U.S. Congress’s annual defence budget authorisation, the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) passed last year (2018), allows the President to grant waivers from CAATSA sanctions under certain conditions.
CAATSA
This came in the backdrop of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US Presidential elections.
It aims to counter the aggression by Iran, Russia and North Korea through punitive measures.
Title II of the Act deals with sanctions on Russian interests like its oil and gas industry, defence and security sector and financial institutions.
The most stringent of these sanctions are:
The export licence restriction by which the US President is authorised to suspend export licences related to munitions, dual-use and nuclear related items.
The ban on American investment in equity/debt of the sanctioned person.
Specific Concerns of USA
Several former U.S. defence officials have praised the military utility of Russian platforms like Brahmos cruise missiles and the S-400 system enabling India to face off against China. Some U.S. officials have remarked that purchasing the S-400 would prevent a deep and broad defence relationship with the U.S.
The U.S. can’t offer comparable anti-access/area denial capabilities.
India is currently in discussions to buy various other U.S. defence equipment like the Sea Guardian drones and combat aircraft.
S-400 Triumf Missile System
It is also known as the SA-21 Growler by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
It is capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles and has a terminal ballistic missile defense capability.
It is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system (SAM).