US might impose sanctions on India over S-400 missile deal with Russia: Report

The report came from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a bipartisan research wing of US Congress, which said that India is keen on sharing technology and co-productive initiatives while the US suggests it to reform its defence offset policy.

A US Congressional report warned India that its $5 billion deal with Russia to purchase the S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi.

The report came from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a bipartisan research wing of US Congress, which said that India is keen on sharing technology and co-productive initiatives while the US suggests it to reform its defence offset policy.

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“India is eager for more technology-sharing and co-production initiatives, while the United States urges more reforms in India's defence offsets policy and higher Foreign Direct Investment caps in its defence sector,” the report said.

However, the CRS reports are prepared by independent experts in law-making for the US Congress to make informed decisions and neither reflects official stance nor they reflect the view of Congressmen.

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The report went on to warn New Delhi that "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act."

India, in October 2018 signed a deal worth $5 billion with Russia to buy a total of five units of its S-400 air defence missile system, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

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Furthermore, New Delhi made its first payment of around $800 million to Russia for the air defence system.

Last month, Russia had confirmed that its deal with India of supplying the defence system is advancing well without any hindrance even after being aware of the US sanctions.

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Russian ambassador Nikolay Kudashev last month in New Delhi, appeared to criticise US sanctions on Turkey for procuring the S-400 missile systems under a $2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognise such unilateral actions.

"We do not recognise or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council," he said.

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"As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India's position is also crystal clear. No sanctions are acknowledged other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future is, we believe that our ties could withstand the coming challenges," he added.

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