Key US Senators Urge Biden Administration to Waive Sanctions Against India On S-400 Russian Defense System

The senators stated that amidst strengthening bilateral relationship with India, Sanctions against India on singing deal with Russia for purchasing S-400 defense system with hamper the relationship with India.

India inked a deal of 5.4 Billion Dollar with Russia in 2018 for purchasing S-400 Russian defense system amidst tensions and to fight with Pakistan over the Himalayan region of Kashmir. India has made down payment and other processes to complete the purchase that is planned by 2025. The lawmakers worry that it makes India eligble for US’s Sanctions act which is passed by Congress.

However, the US top senators urged Biden administration to give waiver for India to preserve its relationships with India. The senators are worried that such against India will hamper the future US – India combined plans as well as the future relationship with India on various projects. The senators stated that amidst strengthening bilateral relationship with India, Sanctions against India on singing deal with Russia for purchasing S-400 defense system with hamper the relationship with India.

This is not the first call for waiver for India, but during the Trump administration as well the defense secretary and other officials had argued upon the case.However, the lawmakers said that they favor the Sanctions law in many other instances but not in this case. They said that the they agree that Sanctions on India could hamper the bilateral relationship but it will not achieve the intended purpose to deter Russian arms sale.