US Makes BIG Statement On India’s S-400 Missile Deal With Russia, Threatens Action
Jan. 28, 2022.
The US has said that Russia’s sale of the S-400 missile defence system to India exposes the destabilizing role that Moscow is playing in the region and potentially beyond.
Washington: The US has said that Russia’s sale of the S-400 missile defence system to India exposes the destabilizing role that Moscow is playing in the region and potentially beyond.
The US has repeatedly expressed concerns over India’s purchase of the multi-billion dollar S-400 missile defence system from Russia. India has insisted that its decisions are based on its national interest and to enhance its national security.
“In many ways, it doesn’t change the concerns we have with the S-400 system. I think it’s a take on an unstable role,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Thursday.
“The spotlight shines on what kind of a role Russia is playing not only in the region but potentially beyond,” he added.
“When it comes to CAATSA sanctions, you’ve heard me say this before, we haven’t made any determination regarding this transaction, but it’s something that we’re going to be on for this particular transaction under CAATSA. We continue to discuss with the Indian government the risks of sanctions.”
Ned Price was responding to a question on the implications of the Russian S-400 system for India on its bilateral ties with New Delhi, which it called an imminent Ukrainian offensive given the unprecedented tensions with Russia.
Despite strong objections from the US and threats of sanctions from the Joe Biden administration, India has refused to make any changes to its decision and is proceeding with the purchase of the S-400 missile defence system.
“Whether it is India, whether it is any other country, we continue to urge all countries to avoid major new transactions for Russian weapons systems,” Ned Price said.
The Joe Biden administration has yet to make a decision on CAATSA sanctions.
“I don’t have a timeline to present, but these are issues we continue to discuss with our partners in India,” Price said.
Courtesy: News 24