*WASHINGTON – India gets a blow from the United States as it has refused toguarantee India a waiver from sanctions if it purchases major weapon anddefence systems from Russia. *
*Top Pentagon official have refused to assure India which means that Indiangovernment is likely to come under sanctions. *
*It is pertinent to mention here that a high-level dialogue betweenWashington and New Delhi* is expected in coming days.
The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, under which anycountry engaged with its defence and intelligence sectors could facesecondary U.S. sanctions. However, a new defence bill gives the presidentthe authority to grant waivers in case of national security interests.
Randall Schriver, the Pentagon’s top Asia official, said there was an“impression that we are going to completely protect the India relationship,insulate India from any fallout from this legislation no matter what theydo.” Media reports from the region have suggested that India would get awaiver.
“I would say that is a bit misleading. We would still have very significantconcerns if India pursued major new platforms and systems (from Russia),”Schriver said at a think tank event.
“I can’t sit here and tell you that they would be exempt, that we would usethat waiver, that will be the decision of the president if he is faced witha major new platform and capability that India has acquired from Russia,”he added.
The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a requestfor comment.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has publicly been a strong proponent ofgranting India waivers.
The United States is concerned about India’s planned purchase of RussianS-400 surface-to-air missile systems, Schriver said. Russia has said itexpects to sign a deal with India later this year on the sale.
On Tuesday, Mattis said the United States was also concerned about Turkey’spurchase of the Russian missile defence system, which cannot be integratedinto NATO.
Schriver said the United States was willing to talk to India aboutpotential alternatives.