title:US Warns India on Su-57 Deal Amid CAATSA Sanctions Threat
ISLAMABAD: India finds itself entangled in a delicate balancing act betweenits longstanding defence ties with Russia and deepening strategicpartnerships with the United States, as Washington signals potentialsanctions over any acquisition of the Russian-made Su-57 stealth fighterjets. The warning, rooted in the Countering America’s Adversaries ThroughSanctions Act (CAATSA), emerges just as New Delhi has benefited from recenttrade concessions from the US, including significant tariff reductions.This development underscores the complexities of multipolar defenceprocurement in an era of heightened geopolitical rivalries.
The Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation multirole stealth fighterdeveloped by Sukhoi, represents a critical advancement in Moscow’saerospace capabilities, featuring supercruise, advanced avionics, andreduced radar cross-section. Although production has been limited and theaircraft has seen restricted operational exposure, it remains a potentsymbol of Russian military innovation. Reports indicate that India isevaluating options for two to three squadrons through co-productionarrangements, potentially utilising existing facilities for Su-30MKImanufacturing to align with Make in India objectives and bridge interimgaps in the Indian Air Force’s stealth requirements.
Recent US statements, particularly from the State Department’s Bureau ofNear Eastern Affairs, have highlighted concerns over Russian armstransactions, initially directed at Algeria’s confirmed Su-57E procurement,which marks the first export of the type. Officials described such deals asproblematic and likely to trigger CAATSA measures, designed to penalisesignificant engagements with Russia’s defence sector through secondarysanctions on financial, trade, or defence cooperation. This precedentraises pertinent questions for India, a major buyer of Russian equipmenthistorically.
India’s prior experience with CAATSA provides context for potentialoutcomes. The acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence systems promptedintense US pressure, yet Washington ultimately refrained from imposingsanctions, citing India’s strategic value in countering regional threatsand advancing Indo-Pacific stability. Analysts suggest that similarstrategic considerations could afford New Delhi latitude, though ahigh-profile fighter jet deal involving fifth-generation technology mightinvite stricter scrutiny given its implications for global airpowerbalances.
Ongoing technical negotiations between India and Russia focus on licensedproduction of a customised Su-57E variant, incorporating Indian systems andmaximising local industry participation. Proposals include technologytransfers that could enhance indigenous capabilities, echoing successfulpast collaborations like the Su-30MKI programme. Russia’s offers extend tojoint development elements, positioning the deal as a comprehensive packageto support India’s long-term aerospace ambitions ahead of the AdvancedMedium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) induction expected in the coming decade.
The timing of these discussions coincides with broader shifts in India’sdefence procurement strategy, emphasising self-reliance while diversifyingsources. Recent trade relief from the US, encompassing tariff cuts onselect imports, has bolstered bilateral economic momentum and defencedialogues, including considerations of American platforms like the F-35.However, any pivot toward Russian fifth-generation assets riskscomplicating access to US technologies, such as engines for indigenousfighters like the Tejas variants.
Geopolitical dynamics further complicate the scenario. Russia’s push forSu-57 exports stems from the need to sustain its defence industry amidinternational pressures, while India seeks to maintain operationalreadiness against evolving threats. The absence of widespread Su-57deployments limits empirical performance data, prompting caution amongpotential buyers. Yet, for India, the aircraft offers a viable interimsolution to address squadron shortages projected over the next decade.
Defence experts note that CAATSA’s application has proven selective, oftentempered by strategic imperatives. India’s role as a counterweight in Asiaenhances its negotiating position, potentially securing waivers ormitigated responses. Nonetheless, the evolving US posture toward Russianarms proliferation suggests heightened risks compared to previoustransactions.
The interplay between defence acquisitions and broader diplomatic relationshighlights India’s adept multi-alignment approach. Balancing partnershipswith Russia, the US, and other suppliers remains essential for strategicautonomy. As negotiations progress, New Delhi’s decisions on the Su-57 willlikely reflect careful calibration of capability needs against sanctionvulnerabilities.
This situation illustrates the challenges nations face in navigatinggreat-power competition while pursuing national security interests. India’strajectory in fifth-generation aviation will influence regional stabilityand global defence markets.
Source:https://www.eurasiantimes.com/su-57-u-s-threatens-caatsa-sanctions-over-russian-stealth-jets-will-india-get-impacted-like-algeria/
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