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According to the US, Russia’s sale of the S-400 missile defence system to India “highlights Moscow’s destabilising role” in the area and maybe beyond.
The United States is still concerned about India obtaining a multibillion-dollar missile defence system from Russia. India has stated that its decisions are made in the national interest of safeguarding its security.
“Well, in many ways, this doesn’t alleviate our concerns about the S-400 system.” At his daily news conference on Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “I think it focuses a spotlight on the destabilising role that Russia is playing not only in the region but maybe beyond as well.”
“As you’ve heard me say before, we haven’t made a determination with regard to this transaction,” he said, “but it’s something we’re continuing to evaluate with the government of India given the risk of sanctions under CAATSA for this specific transaction.”
Price was replying to a question on the impact of Russia’s S-400 missile defence system on India’s bilateral relations with New Delhi, given the heightened tensions the two countries are experiencing over what they see as an impending Ukrainian invasion.
Despite intense opposition from the United States and threats of sanctions from the Biden Administration, India has refused to change its mind and is proceeding with the missile defence system procurement.
“We continue to advise all governments to avoid big new transactions for Russian weapon systems, whether it’s India or any other country,” Price added.
So yet, the Biden administration has made no decision on CAATSA sanctions.
