Amid US-Russia faceoff, Delhi walks a tightrope

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 25

With the US on a confrontational path with Russia reminiscent of the Cold War era, India is walking a tightrope between Moscow and DC.

The Ministry of External Affairs is lobbying hard with the US administration to ensure the showdown between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin does not impact major deals in pipeline with Russia.

The Tribune has learnt that India has made a three-fold argument on Capital Hill to seek exemptions from CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act). Under CAATSA, third countries dealing with Russian oligarchs and firms blacklisted by the US could face the heat of secondary sanctions. This could have a significant impact on Russia’s profitable military and nuclear relationship with India.

For instance, NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the Russian firm partnering on flagship JV Brahmos project, is sanctioned and under CAATSA India could be subject to punitive restrictions for dealing with it.

India, meanwhile, has argued with Americans that its dependence on Russian arms is reducing. “We have asked the US to look at our trend of defence purchases for past 10 years. Not only have we diversified our supplies, but substantial part has gone to the US which is the net beneficiary,” said an official source.

According to the latest report published by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), Indian import of Russian military hardware stands at 62 per cent during past five years compared to 79 per cent between 2008 and 2012. Washington today is the second largest arms supplier to India with military sales worth $15 billion.

India’s negotiations with Russia on major S400 air defence missile systems and Kamov-226 T helicopter deals have been moving at a slow pace leading to questions of possible American pressure.

Russian entities like Rosboronexport partnering with India on dual use technology, too, face the heat. India has told the US that any such restrictions could impact its existing arms and ammunition reserves and defence preparedness, thus adversely affecting its capacity to act in areas where the two countries have major security convergences.

“It is not known yet as to how will CAATSA kick in. If spares for legacy items will come under its ambit or not. But if we have sourcing issues how can be of help in areas where our interests converge with the US like in Indo-Pacific or Afghanistan?” remarked a source. New Delhi has also told the US that Russian purchases are not to be used against America or its strategic interests.

Past few weeks on allegations against Russia from Salisbury UK to Syria, India has treaded cautiously without criticising or backing Kremlin.

‘Reducing dependence on Russia’

• India has argued with America that its dependence on Russian arms is reducing
• “We have asked the US to look at our trend of defence purchases for past 10 years. Not only have we diversified our supplies, but substantial part has gone to the US which is the net beneficiary,” a source said 
• New Delhi has also told the US that Russian purchases are not to be used against America or its strategic interests

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