Defence pacts, Iran oil imports on 2+2 agenda

NEWDELHI: Ahead of the two-plustwo plus dialogue between India and the US on September 6, New Delhi is hoping Washington understands its sensitivities and compulsions and takes a lenient view on its oil imports from Iran and purchase of S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia, people familiar with the planning that has gone into the meeting said.

The focus of the meeting itself will be on the two countries working together in the Indo-pacific region, the finalisation of a foundational defence pact, the designation of terrorists, and visa issues. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman will discuss these with US secretary of state Mike R Pompeo and secretary of defence James Mattis at the inaugural edition of the dia-

logue, which will also be the highest-level political engagement between India and the US this year, said the sources.

India, which is aware the US is unlikely to give it a blanket waiver for arms deals with Russia, is hoping the country will give one for the purchase of S-400 anti-aircraft missiles, thereby

giving it immunity from a 2017 US law that requires the US president to penalise countries that have “significant transaction” with Russia’s defence sector.

Russia is India’s biggest defence partner and one of its most trusted allies.

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