US Department of Defense Press Secretary, John F. Kirby refused to commit over the recent reports of purchase of S-400 Russian air defense missile System by India, he said that the details will be revealed on appropriate time. Mr. Kirby was interacting with media men during a news briefing on Thursday. While referring to forthcoming Secretary of Defense visit to India, he said that the US Defense secretary will meet with his counterpart and Foreign Minister of India to talk about the broader direction that US wants to see the alliance to go in.
There are speculations in the media that if India finalize its purchase deal of Russian high altitudes S-400 air defense missile system, what would be the reaction by the World Power towards its newly promoted darling aiming to enjoy its perceived imaginary decree in the South and Eastern Asian region. As per report, United States had warned New Delhi that it’s not likely to get a waiver for its $ 5.5 billion deal with Russia. As per practice in vague the United States impose sanctions under “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)” law against the country that make significant transactions with Russia. India inked the $ 5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018. Although, India comes under red-light if it proceeds toward materialization of the deal, however, Indian government was hopeful that it would be able to manage the situation by getting a wavier from the United States. It was possible in Trump administration but likely a difficult option in current scenario as another US ally Turkey has faced the US’s anger over its disobedience.
India is testing the US’s patience by acquiring this latest high-tech air defense system from Russia. Its already having highly sensitive US defense technologies under US-India bilateral defense agreements such as Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). Earlier, US was in the view that S-400 System has such capabilities that can jeopardize US Security by acquiring sensitive defense information if it come in use with US weapon system. So, it is very likely that India may follow the Turkey after landing of S-400 in New Delhi in coming days.
