In a snub to US, India to go ahead with S-400 missile deal with Russia

[INDIAPOSITIVE]

In what is being seen as a snub to the US, India has made it clear that it will go ahead with the Rs 39,000-crore deal with Russia for the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the IAF despite US sanctions hanging like a Damocles sword over its head.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the negotiations between India and Russia to finalise the S-400 deal was already in the final stage and won’t be hampered by US’ CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), which seeks to deter countries from buying Russian weapon systems.

“In all our engagements with the US, we have clearly explained how India and Russia’s defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship. We have mentioned that CAATSA cannot impact the India-Russia defence cooperation,” Sitharaman said.

She said India had made it clear in all its engagements with the US that its ties with Russia were independent of external influences and relationships with other countries. The deal for the S-400 system, which can counter ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft like those China is developing, is likely to be announced before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.

Top American lawmakers and experts have warned that imposition of sanctions on India under CAATSA if it bought the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia could be disastrous for Indo-US ties. Last month, US’ House Armed Services Committee chairman Mac Thornberry had warned that the S-400 deal might limit inter-operability between Indian and US militaries.

Sources said India wanted its defence transactions with Russia to be insulated from the purview of the stringent American law and the issue would be taken up with Washington during the 2+2 talks next month.

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-400-missile-deal-with-russia-caatsa-5205396/

 

[Imran Khan]

jeo lets see how US will react now

 

[cloud4000]

US will do anything -- it can't do anything -- about India and Russia. India is not Turkey, a NATO member, where it can browbeat it into submission. US has lost a lot of goodwill for unilaterally withdrawing from Iran deal and imposing punitive tariffs on friends and foes alike.

 

[Crixus]

We are not afraid of getting bombed to stone age

jeo lets see how US will react now

 

[Menace2Society]

I like how India is dealing with US. Pakistan can learn from this. Don't have always have to start saying bhai bhai when someone gives you a bit of attention.

 

[Imran Khan]

We are not afraid of getting bombed to stone age

because no one can send already a stone aged place to stone age

 

[Crixus]

wah wah wah kya point mara hai

because no one can send already a stone aged place to stone age

 

[Imran Khan]

wah wah wah kya point mara hai

bhai maaf kerna hum senior troll hain yahan ke

 

[waz]

India is looking after its interest, fair play to them. I think Russia will appreciate this gesture greatly.
But I believe it's the end for US arms sales, apart from a few things.

 

[MultaniGuy]

India is looking after its interest, fair play to them. I think Russia will appreciate this gesture greatly.
But I believe it's the end for US arms sales, apart from a few things.

Is this in mainstream media? Is the BBC, Al Jazeera, CNN, and RT reporting this?

If this is true, then this is good play by India.

 

[Politico]

India just played USA

 

[MultaniGuy]

Its also on Russia Today.

India to buy Russian S-400 systems despite Washington’s warnings - report
Published time: 1 Jun, 2018 17:14 Edited time: 2 Jun, 2018 12:14
Get short URL

Russian S-400 Triumph/SA-21 Growler medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems / Sputnik
India decided to proceed with the long-anticipated $5.5 bln deal to purchase Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile units despite the US saying the purchase may affect the relations between Washington and New Dehli.


According to the Hindustan Times, India’s Defense Ministry is to ask the apex Cabinet Committee to approve the purchase of the five S-400 Triumf systems, thus finalizing the agreement.

The deal is set to go through despite the fact that the Trump administration warning New Delhi of the possible ramifications of India’s intention to cultivate military ties with Russia, that would imminently jeopardise its relations with the US.

Chairman of the U.S. Arms Service Committee Mac Thornberry has said that “the acquisition of this technology will limit, the degree with which the United States will feel comfortable in bringing additional technology into whatever country we are talking about.”

In case the purchase officially goes through, the Trump administration's reaction might go as far as punishing India for violating the sanctions imposed against Russia.

Read more
American Raj? Pentagon renames PACOM to ‘Indo-Pacific Command’
Forced to choose between Russia and the US, New Delhi highlighted the need for a strong air defense given the fact the neighbouring China and Pakistan have already obtained advanced aerial capabilities.

India’s decision to rely on the Russian-made S-400 systems that have drawn a lot of interest from international buyers, could jeopardize sales of US-built Predator drones and Patriot missile defense systems. Though the US has been talking up the effectiveness of Patriots, the missile has reportedly been less than effective when used recently by Saudi Arabia.

According to NATO classification, S-400 Triumf is Russia's most advanced air defense hardware, boasting unique and unparalleled capabilities. Capable of firing three types of missiles create a layered defense, the S-400 integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, missile launchers and command posts. It can bring down aircrafts as well as missiles at the range of up to 400km.

With Russia being India’s largest arms supplier, Moscow accounted for 62 percent of arms sales to New Delhi over the past five years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Institute.

India is not the only country that has been experiencing tough pressuring from Washington. The US has been very explicit in its criticism of its "strategic partner", Turkey and its deal with Russia to purchase the S-400 systems.

According to State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, Washington is seriously concerned about the fact Turkey as a NATO member would choose to purchase weapons not made in the US. In a bid to pressure Ankara, Assistant US Secretary Wess Mitchell said that unless Turkey backed out, the purchase "could lead to sanctions.”

Testifying before the House Foreign Relations committee last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was making efforts to “keep the Turks in a place where they will never acquire the S-400.”

Moreover, US lawmakers introduced a bill which would virtually ban F-35 deliveries to Turkey to punish it for its increased "hostility.” The US has also criticized Ankara over the announcement it would look elsewhere in case Washington failed to deliver the F-35s.
https://www.rt.com/news/428493-india-buy-s-400-systems-russia/

But this news was days ago.

 

[khail007]

IMO, proved the success of Indian policy - good things should be learned.
India is dealing with superpowers keeping India's sovereignty at top.

 

[Crixus]

Now we are in better position to get a better deal from Russia .......

 

[SabzShaheen]

India is looking after its interest, fair play to them. I think Russia will appreciate this gesture greatly.
But I believe it's the end for US arms sales, apart from a few things.

nah you're mistaking the US for a country of single standards and frankness. they'll still support india to counter big bad china and pakistan.