US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signs a guestbook during his visit to the National Cemetery in Seoul on March 18, 2021. (KIM MIN-HEE / POOL / AFP)
NEW DELHI – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was urged by a senior US senator to convey Washington’s opposition to India’s proposed purchase of Russian air defense systems as he headed to New Delhi on Friday for talks aimed at deepening security ties.
During Austin’s visit, the two sides will be discussing India’s plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy, people with knowledge of the matter said.
If India chooses to go forward with its purchase of the S-400, that act will clearly constitute a significant, and therefore sanctionable, transaction with the Russian defense sector under Section 231 of CAATSA.
Bob Menendez, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee
One thorny issue expected to come up is India’s planned purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems which under US law can attract sanctions. Washington has imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying that equipment.
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The chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Menendez, urged Austin to make clear to India officials the Biden administration’s opposition to deal.
“If India chooses to go forward with its purchase of the S-400, that act will clearly constitute a significant, and therefore sanctionable, transaction with the Russian defense sector under Section 231 of CAATSA,” Menendez said in a letter to Austin, referring to the law called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
“It will also limit India’s ability to work with the US on development and procurement of sensitive military technology. I expect you to make all of these challenges clear in conversations with your Indian counterparts,” he said.
US firms Boeing and Lockheed are front runners for the multi-billion dollar combat jet deals. An Indian government official said no deals were likely to be announced during the visit and that the talks would cover regional and international security issues.
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“The US and India are close security partners, we expect to have wide ranging discussion with the US side on how to further defense cooperation,” the official said.