In a major shot in the arm of India over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, the US House of Committee has passed a legislative amendment through voice vote that exempts New Delhi from the punitive CAATSA sanctions.

Californian Congressman and Indian-origin Ro Khanna introduced the legislative amendment, which urges the Biden administration to use its authority to provide India with a Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver to help deter aggressors like China.

According to PTI news agency, the amendment was passed on Thursday as part of an ‘en bloc’ (all together as a single unit) amendment during floor consideration of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).

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"The United States must stand with India in the face of escalating aggression from China. As Vice Chair of the India Caucus, I have been working to strengthen the partnership between our countries and ensure that India can defend itself along the Indian Chinese border," said Khanna said.

"This amendment is of the utmost importance, and I am proud to see it pass the House on a bipartisan basis," he said.

The CAATSA was introduced in 2017 to punish those countries with sanctions who engage in transactions with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors.

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There is no relationship of greater significance to US strategic interests than the US-India partnership. 
 
My bipartisan NDAA amendment marks the most significant piece of legislation for US-India relations out of Congress since the US-India nuclear deal. <a href="https://t.co/uXCt7n66Z7">pic.twitter.com/uXCt7n66Z7</a>
— Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRoKhanna/status/1547644871942422529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Under US law, the&nbsp;administration can impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defence hardware from Russia in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections.

In October 2018, India signed the $5.43 billion deal with Russia for five squadrons of S-400 air missile systems. There had been strong bipartisan support for India to be exempted from the sanctions and it was often hinted by US President Joe Biden as well.

The US has already sanctioned Turkey under the CAATSA for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia.

While speaking on the House floor, Khanna asserted that there is no relationship of greater significance to US strategic interests than the US-India partnership.

"My bipartisan NDAA amendment marks the most significant piece of legislation for US-India relations out of Congress since the US-India nuclear deal," Khanna said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a major shot in the arm of India over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, the US House of Committee has passed a legislative amendment through voice vote that exempts New Delhi from the punitive CAATSA sanctions.

In a major shot in the arm of India over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, the US House of Committee has passed a legislative amendment through voice vote that exempts New Delhi from the punitive CAATSA sanctions. Californian Congressman and Indian-origin Ro Khanna introduced the legislative amendment, which urges the Biden administration to use its authority to provide India with a Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver to help deter aggressors like China. According to PTI news agency, the amendment was passed on Thursday as part of an ‘en bloc’ (all together as a single unit) amendment during floor consideration of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA). × "The United States must stand with India in the face of escalating aggression from China. As Vice Chair of the India Caucus, I have been working to strengthen the partnership between our countries and ensure that India can defend itself along the Indian Chinese border," said Khanna said. "This amendment is of the utmost importance, and I am proud to see it pass the House on a bipartisan basis," he said. The CAATSA was introduced in 2017 to punish those countries with sanctions who engage in transactions with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors. There is no relationship of greater significance to US strategic interests than the US-India partnership. My bipartisan NDAA amendment marks the most significant piece of legislation for US-India relations out of Congress since the US-India nuclear deal. pic.twitter.com/uXCt7n66Z7 — Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) July 14, 2022 × Under US law, the administration can impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defence hardware from Russia in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. In October 2018, India signed the $5.43 billion deal with Russia for five squadrons of S-400 air missile systems. There had been strong bipartisan support for India to be exempted from the sanctions and it was often hinted by US President Joe Biden as well. The US has already sanctioned Turkey under the CAATSA for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia. While speaking on the House floor, Khanna asserted that there is no relationship of greater significance to US strategic interests than the US-India partnership. "My bipartisan NDAA amendment marks the most significant piece of legislation for US-India relations out of Congress since the US-India nuclear deal," Khanna said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US House passes amendment to exempt India under CAATSA over Russian S-400 missile deal

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Friday that the country's position remains unchanged regarding its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, adding that talks with the United States on new F-16 jets and kits were proceeding smoothly.

The United States sanctioned NATO member Turkey's defence industry in December 2020 over the S-400s and expelled Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, where it was a manufacturer and buyer. Turkey claims the move is unjust.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-germanys-scholz-to-hold-talks-in-ankara-on-ukraine-462136">Turkey's Erdogan, Germany's Scholz to hold talks in Ankara on Ukraine</a>

Turkish broadcaster Haberturk reported that Erdogan told reporters on his way back to Turkey from a NATO summit in Brussels that he hoped that discussions with Washington on buying new F-16 jets and modernization kits would be fruitful soon.

He also dismissed reports that US officials had informally raised with Turkey the unlikely possibility of sending the S-400 systems to Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, saying "all they do is cause commotion" in reference to Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-reiterates-turkeys-determination-to-support-ukraines-territorial-integrity-450943">Erdogan reiterates Turkey's determination to support Ukraine's territorial integrity</a>

During the summit, Erdogan also discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi the possibility of purchasing SAMP-T missile defence systems from the Franco-Italian Eurosam consortium.

As part of its effort to maintain and modernize its existing F-16 fleet, Ankara seeks to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and the necessary spare parts.

Ankara bought F-35 stealth fighter jets for $1.4 billion, but the planes have not been delivered since the US froze the contract in 2019 over Ankara's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defence system.

Watch |&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden wants Russia out of G-20

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From the moment the first delivery of the Russian-built surface-to-air missile batteries arrived in July 2019, Washington has been asking Ankara to dispose of them.

The system is seen by Washington as a threat to the F-35 aircraft, leading to the exclusion of Turkey from the cutting-edge program.

Even though Turkey has delivered combat drones to its ally Ukraine, it also wants to maintain good relations with Russia, which it relies on heavily for tourism and energy supplies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Friday that the country's position remains unchanged regarding its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, adding that talks with the United States on new F-16 jets and kits were proceeding smoothly.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Friday that the country's position remains unchanged regarding its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, adding that talks with the United States on new F-16 jets and kits were proceeding smoothly. The United States sanctioned NATO member Turkey's defence industry in December 2020 over the S-400s and expelled Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, where it was a manufacturer and buyer. Turkey claims the move is unjust. Also read | Turkey's Erdogan, Germany's Scholz to hold talks in Ankara on Ukraine Turkish broadcaster Haberturk reported that Erdogan told reporters on his way back to Turkey from a NATO summit in Brussels that he hoped that discussions with Washington on buying new F-16 jets and modernization kits would be fruitful soon. He also dismissed reports that US officials had informally raised with Turkey the unlikely possibility of sending the S-400 systems to Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, saying "all they do is cause commotion" in reference to Washington. Also read | Erdogan reiterates Turkey's determination to support Ukraine's territorial integrity During the summit, Erdogan also discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi the possibility of purchasing SAMP-T missile defence systems from the Franco-Italian Eurosam consortium. As part of its effort to maintain and modernize its existing F-16 fleet, Ankara seeks to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and the necessary spare parts. Ankara bought F-35 stealth fighter jets for $1.4 billion, but the planes have not been delivered since the US froze the contract in 2019 over Ankara's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defence system. Watch | U.S. President Joe Biden wants Russia out of G-20 From the moment the first delivery of the Russian-built surface-to-air missile batteries arrived in July 2019, Washington has been asking Ankara to dispose of them. The system is seen by Washington as a threat to the F-35 aircraft, leading to the exclusion of Turkey from the cutting-edge program. Even though Turkey has delivered combat drones to its ally Ukraine, it also wants to maintain good relations with Russia, which it relies on heavily for tourism and energy supplies. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same

In a major boost to the country`s air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 air defence missile system in the western Punjab sector.

"The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The batteries of the first squadron would be capable of taking care of aerial threats from both Pakistan and China," government sources told ANI.

Parts of the Russian missile system had started reaching India earlier this month and the unit is expected to be operationalized in the next few weeks, they said.

The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around Rs 35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km.

The first squadron deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of this year. Sources said the equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes.

Sources said after the first squadron is deployed, the Air Force would start focusing on the Eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country. Indian Air Force officers and personnel have trained in Russia on the system.

The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asian skies as they would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a 400 km distance.

The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km.

Due to tough bargaining and negotiations, India managed to bring down the S-400 price by almost a billion dollars, sources said.&nbsp;

In a major boost to the country`s air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 air defence missile system in the western Punjab sector.

In a major boost to the country`s air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 air defence missile system in the western Punjab sector. "The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The batteries of the first squadron would be capable of taking care of aerial threats from both Pakistan and China," government sources told ANI. Parts of the Russian missile system had started reaching India earlier this month and the unit is expected to be operationalized in the next few weeks, they said. The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around Rs 35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km. The first squadron deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of this year. Sources said the equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. Sources said after the first squadron is deployed, the Air Force would start focusing on the Eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country. Indian Air Force officers and personnel have trained in Russia on the system. The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asian skies as they would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a 400 km distance. The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km. Due to tough bargaining and negotiations, India managed to bring down the S-400 price by almost a billion dollars, sources said.

India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from China, Pak

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers.

Admiral John Aquilino, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday to be the next commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM, was responding to a question from Senator Jeanne Shaheen on India's decision to purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia.

"Should we sanction India if they acquire the S-400?" Shaheen asked.

"I would leave that to the policymakers to determine... I think we certainly should understand where we are with India and I think potentially the encouragement angle in providing alternatives might be a better approach," Aquilino replied.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

In October 2018, India had signed a&nbsp;$5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the then Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

The US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent CAATSA. The law also provides for punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia.

"India is really a terrific partner and as we've seen from the recent Quad discussions, I think the importance of India and the rest of the nations in the Quad will increase.

We're at a balance. However, India has had a longstanding relationship with the Russians for security cooperation and for military equipment," Aquilino said.

"...If confirmed, I would work to continue to encourage India to look at and consider US equipment. Number one, it's the best. Number two, it generates interoperability and makes it easier to work together and I think we should encourage India to do that through all the elements of national power and see where that goes," he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Responding to another question from Senator Debra Fischer, Aquilino said the work or the effort that India has taken on to protect its northern border amid a standoff with China is noteworthy.

"The fact that the PRC has decided to instigate that skirmish on the northern border is noteworthy to all of us," he said.

"So, the strength of multilateral operations with India and with all allies and partners is certainly a mechanism to add to our deterrents in the region," he added.

"The deadly skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops underscored the high level of tension along the border and China has made no secret of its ambition to encircle India with military and economic influence. As INDOPACOM commander, how would you approach this dynamic and what do you see as the future of the US-India military cooperation?" Senator Fischer asked.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

Subsequently, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in over four decades. Eight months after the confrontation, China admitted that its four soldiers were killed in the fight.

"The work with India, the Quad, as well as all the allies and partners in the region, continues to be the strength and it highlights our ability to ensure that the entire force, the entire region understands the cooperation and the alignment with international norms, standards, rules and laws," the admiral said.

Aquilino said the goal of the Chinese is to supplant US security leadership in the region, be it in the South China Sea or on the northern border of India, and change international rules beyond what the nations agreed to under the 1982 UNCLOS Treaty to their benefit.

"We need to engage with every aspect of national power to be able to compete against the PLA," the US admiral further said.

Be it diplomacy, science or information, every aspect has the ability to generate deterrence, extend cooperation with allies and partners. And that's one example from the military perspective this last year, he said.

Senator Josh Hawley said the Quad appears to be forming the basis for a regional coalition to stand up to Chinese aggression.

"How do you see the Quad contributing to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific now and in the future?" he asked.

"It is extremely important when you look at India as the world's largest democracy, combined with three other nations (that) have shared values and beliefs. When an organisation of that magnitude comes together, it would generate concern for anyone with an opposite opinion," Aquilino said.

Quad countries - the US, India, Australia and Japan - held their first summit on March 12 during which President Joe Biden told leaders of the coalition that a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is essential to their countries and that his country was committed to working with its partners and allies in the region to achieve stability.&nbsp;

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers.

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers. Admiral John Aquilino, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday to be the next commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM, was responding to a question from Senator Jeanne Shaheen on India's decision to purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia. "Should we sanction India if they acquire the S-400?" Shaheen asked. "I would leave that to the policymakers to determine... I think we certainly should understand where we are with India and I think potentially the encouragement angle in providing alternatives might be a better approach," Aquilino replied. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the then Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. The US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent CAATSA. The law also provides for punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia. "India is really a terrific partner and as we've seen from the recent Quad discussions, I think the importance of India and the rest of the nations in the Quad will increase. We're at a balance. However, India has had a longstanding relationship with the Russians for security cooperation and for military equipment," Aquilino said. "...If confirmed, I would work to continue to encourage India to look at and consider US equipment. Number one, it's the best. Number two, it generates interoperability and makes it easier to work together and I think we should encourage India to do that through all the elements of national power and see where that goes," he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Responding to another question from Senator Debra Fischer, Aquilino said the work or the effort that India has taken on to protect its northern border amid a standoff with China is noteworthy. "The fact that the PRC has decided to instigate that skirmish on the northern border is noteworthy to all of us," he said. "So, the strength of multilateral operations with India and with all allies and partners is certainly a mechanism to add to our deterrents in the region," he added. "The deadly skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops underscored the high level of tension along the border and China has made no secret of its ambition to encircle India with military and economic influence. As INDOPACOM commander, how would you approach this dynamic and what do you see as the future of the US-India military cooperation?" Senator Fischer asked. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. Subsequently, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in over four decades. Eight months after the confrontation, China admitted that its four soldiers were killed in the fight. "The work with India, the Quad, as well as all the allies and partners in the region, continues to be the strength and it highlights our ability to ensure that the entire force, the entire region understands the cooperation and the alignment with international norms, standards, rules and laws," the admiral said. Aquilino said the goal of the Chinese is to supplant US security leadership in the region, be it in the South China Sea or on the northern border of India, and change international rules beyond what the nations agreed to under the 1982 UNCLOS Treaty to their benefit. "We need to engage with every aspect of national power to be able to compete against the PLA," the US admiral further said. Be it diplomacy, science or information, every aspect has the ability to generate deterrence, extend cooperation with allies and partners. And that's one example from the military perspective this last year, he said. Senator Josh Hawley said the Quad appears to be forming the basis for a regional coalition to stand up to Chinese aggression. "How do you see the Quad contributing to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific now and in the future?" he asked. "It is extremely important when you look at India as the world's largest democracy, combined with three other nations (that) have shared values and beliefs. When an organisation of that magnitude comes together, it would generate concern for anyone with an opposite opinion," Aquilino said. Quad countries - the US, India, Australia and Japan - held their first summit on March 12 during which President Joe Biden told leaders of the coalition that a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is essential to their countries and that his country was committed to working with its partners and allies in the region to achieve stability.

India has longstanding relationship with Russia: US admiral John Aquilino

Mike Pompeo's visit to India comes ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Japan. Watch full video to know more.

Pompeo meets S Jaishankar: India-US joint statement likely at 2 PM

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US House passes amendment to exempt India under CAATSA over Russian S-400 missile deal

Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same

India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from China, Pak

India has longstanding relationship with Russia: US admiral John Aquilino

Pompeo meets S Jaishankar: India-US joint statement likely at 2 PM