WASHINGTON- A top US admiral has warned Congress against imposing anysanctions on countries like India and Indonesia for purchasing defenceequipment from Russia, saying any such move would pose a concern forAmerica’s defence ties in the Indo-Pacific and increase its partners’dependence on Moscow.
Admiral Philip S Davidson, the nominee for the US Pacific Command Commander(PACOM), told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesdayduring his confirmation that India’s military had long relied on the formerSoviet Union and then Russia to follow with some of its technology andtraining.
“We have to break down that historical background to a certain extent,break down is not the correct work but be willing to work with that so thatwe can move forward with India,” Davidson said.
The top Pentagon Admiral warned Congress that imposing any sanctions onIndia according to ‘Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act(CAATSA)’ for its purchase of significant defence equipment from Russiawould have an adverse impact on the relationship.
The CAATSA includes sanctions against countries that engage in significanttransactions with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors.
India could face sanctions for purchasing high value military defenceitems, in particular state-of-the-art S-400 missile defence system, fromRussia under the act.
“It is a fundamental priority for the United States and PACOM tocontinually develop our alliances and partnerships so that all nationsbenefit from an environment that safeguards security, stability,prosperity, and peace for the entire region,” Davidson said.
He said Russia’s operations and engagements throughout the Indo-Pacificcontinue to rise ? “both to advance their own strategic interests and toundermine US interests”.
“Russia also sees economic opportunities to build markets for energyexports and arms sales in the region,” he said.
“CAATSA sanctions pose a concern for our defense relationships in theIndo-Pacific with countries such as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. If theUS decides to sanction these partner nations for their purchases of Russianequipment, this decision may hinder the growth of each developingpartnership and increase each partner’s dependence on Russia,” Davidsonwarned.
He also underscored the need to establish a foundation in amilitary-to-military relationship with India.
“It’s important to get to establish a foundation in a military to militaryrelationship,” Davidson said.”I think the historic opportunity for the United States going forward isprobably with India and that would be a relationship that I intend to workon with great energy,” he said.