India did not participate in the voting in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the demand for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. This angered America. It is considering a ban on India for the purchase of the S-400 Triumph missile defense system from Russia.
The US can impose this ban under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Senior US Diplomat Donald Lu gave this information to members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Wednesday.
Why is America angry?
India did not participate in the March 3 vote to criticize Russia for its attack on Ukraine. India was among the 35 countries that abstained from voting. Due to this, both Republican and Democrats have criticized India.
However, the US Diplomat has said that the US government has not yet decided to impose sanctions on India under CAATSA. “India is actually America’s security partner. We value this partnership. We hope that the way Russia has been criticized, India will try to distance itself from Russia further,” he said.
India maintained its neutral stance in the vote against Russia at the UN Security Council on March 3. India has not taken part in voting for the third time in a week after the Russian attack on Ukraine. However, despite India’s neutral stand, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution against Russia. India’s arch rival China is also supporting Russia.
What is Countering America’s Advertising Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)?
The Countering America’s Advertising Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a US law. Under this, the US has imposed sanctions against Iran, North Korea and Russia. The Senate passed the bill on July 27, 2017.
What will be the impact of CAATSA on India?
America has strengthened its relationship with India in recent years. The US is giving importance to its relationship with India to reduce China’s growing influence in Asia. This is the reason why he is delaying in imposing sanctions on India for defense deal with Russia.
India has purchased high power Russian S-400 Triumph missile system from Russia. It is considered the best in the world. This is the reason why India decided to buy the Russian system instead of the American system.
Former India Ambassador to the US Ashok Sajanhar recently told Moneycontrol that the sale of the S-400 Triumph missile to India would continue as per schedule. India has signed a deal to buy five S-400 Triumph missile systems from Russia. India has paid $5.5 billion for this. The deal was finalized in October 2018.
What if the US imposes sanctions on India under CAATSA?
If this happens, India will also be included in the list of countries on which the US has imposed sanctions. Except China, most of the countries of the world including Western consider them as untouchables. They do not want to have relations with these countries.
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