Don’t rap India for buying Russian arms: US admiral

Washington, April 19: A top US admiral has warned Congress against imposing any sanctions on countries like India and Indonesia for purchasing defence equipment from Russia, saying any such move would pose a concern for America’s defence ties in the IndoPacific 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 Wednesday during his confirmation that India’s military had long relied on the former Soviet Union and then Russia to follow with some of its technology and training. “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 that we can move forward with India,” Davidson said.

The top Pentagon Admiral warned Congress that imposing any sanctions on India according to ‘ Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( CAATSA)’ for its purchase of significant defence equipment from Russia would have an adverse impact on the relationship. The CAATSA

includes sanctions against countries that engage in transactions with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors.

India could face sanctions for purchasing high value military defence items, in particular stateofthe- art S- 400 missile defence system, from Russia under the Act.

“It is a fundamental priority for the US and PACOM to continually develop our alliances and partnerships so that all nations benefit from an environment that safeguards security, stability, prosperity, and peace for the entire region,” Davidson said.

He said Russia’s operations throughout the IndoPacific continue to rise “both to advance their own strategic interests and to undermine US interests”.