US Unlikely To Waive Off CAATSA Sanctions On India's $5.5 Billion Purchase Of Russian S-400 Air Defence Systems

In a major development, the United States (US) is said to have told India that it is unlikely to get a waiver on its $5.5 billion purchase of five Russian S-400 air defence systems, reports Economic Times.

This comes just months after the Trump administration in the US had imposed sanctions on Turkey under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for procuring the same air defence systems from Russia.

“We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that risk triggering sanctions under the CAATSA. CAATSA does not have any blanket or country-specific waiver provision. We have not made any waiver determinations with respect to Indian transactions with Russia," the spokesperson of the US’ embassy in India was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that India has repeatedly stood firm and defended its right to choose its defence supplies.

“India and the US have a comprehensive global strategic partnership. India has a special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on proposed S-400 purchase.

Srivastava added, “India has always pursued an independent foreign policy. This also applies to our defence acquisitions and supplies which are guided by our national security interests.”