US Imposes CAATSA Sanctions On Turkey: India Apprehensive

On 14^th December 2020, the United States has imposed sanctions on Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence systems.
With India set to get the consignment of the S-400 air defence system early next year, New Delhi is watching Washington’s moves closely.
While it has got a waiver from the outgoing Trump administration, Delhi hopes that the incoming Biden administration would not work towards reversing the decision.

S-400 Air Defence Missile System

The S-400 Triumf, (NATO calls it SA-21 Growler), is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system (SAM) designed by Russia.
It is the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM (MLR SAM) in the world, considered much ahead of the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).

CAATSA

Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), enacted on August 2, 2017, to counter Iran, Russia and North Korea through punitive measures.
Title II of the Act primarily deals with sanctions on Russian interests such as its oil and gas industry, defence and security sector, and financial institutions.
Section 231 of the Act empowers the US President to impose at least five of the 12 listed sanctions — enumerated in Section 235 of the Act — on persons engaged in a “significant transaction” with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.

Why it is a concern for India?

Most of India’s weapons are of Soviet/Russian origin – nuclear submarine INS Chakra, the Kilo-class conventional submarine, the supersonic Brahmos cruise missile, the MiG 21/27/29 and Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-76/78 transport planes, T-72 and T-90 tanks, Mi-series of helicopters, and Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, etc.
So, if India is sanctioned under such law, it may hinder sourcing spares, maintenance of all such defence machinery/equipment.

Why US Exempted/may exempt India Further

US’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: The US is projecting India as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, with the US National Security Strategy 2017 explicitly supporting New Delhi’s vital role in this regard.
Arms Trade: The US sees this as a strategic opportunity to trade in arms with India. In addition, US defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing, are also strong contenders for a number of high-profile arms deals, including the recently floated tender notices for 110 fighter planes for the Indian Air Force, 57 Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters for the Indian Navy, and 234 naval utility and multi-role helicopters.
Quad: The concept of four nation alliance - USA, Australia, Japan and India - to contain China’sunilateral claim on the Nine-Dash Line in the South China Sea; rapid warship building its first overseas base in Djibouti; and its surface and subsurface activities in Indian Ocean beyond the Malacca Straits.

India’s Recent Arms Deals with US

In recent years, the US has bagged more than $15 billion in arms deals including for the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles, and Apache and Chinook helicopters.
The US is also likely to accept an Indian request for Sea Guardian drones.