What will the US say: India Signs $5 Billion Deal For Russian Air Defense Systems

[rainman + 263]

India signed a $5 billion deal to buy five Russian S-400 air defense systems on Friday despite a looming threat of U.S. sanctions on countries that trade with Russia’s defense and intelligence sectors. The deal was signed in New Delhi during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss nuclear energy, space exploration and trade. India has requested that the U.S. grant it a waiver for the deal from sanctions prescribed by the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a U.S. law passed in August 2017 that is intended to punish Russia for its annexation of Crimea and alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.The U.S. did not spare China from sanctions last month for purchasing its own Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and fighter jets. If the U.S. does impose sanctions on India, it is unclear how India could pay Russia for the military equipment, since the law bars dollar-denominated financial transactions. India is the world’s largest importer of military hardware, according to Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House, and has depended on Russia for political support as well as billions of dollars in military hardware. Nearly 70 percent of India’s present-day defense equipment was procured from Russia, according to India’s Defense Ministry.
 

[franco + 96]

Imposing sanctions is only a short term response at best ; the world economy needs fluidity for everyone and two way street...

[Pavel + 384]

In my opinion China would never want India to get S400. India and Russia went overhead China and signed the deal. China is pretty disheartened that India, too, has access to the cutting-edge S400 now. They know that their missiles and airforce would be nullified now. 

[Petar + 76]

Sanctions are coming...

[50 shades of black + 254]

And it's done without US willingness, ignoring US warnings. So, does it mean Goodbye US from South Asia?

[pinto + 293]

Russia has been distancing itself from India recently. It's forging a group with China and Pakistan. Meanwhile, India has made a strong link with US, and now it looks as they are trying to "satisfy" both sides... Dangerous, walking on the wire.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

Reminder: 74 billion usd bilateral trade with USA. International realism rather than being emotional about old times and USSR

[jpZelabal + 63]

India must have got a reluctant hint for a waiver before they went ahead with this. Probably, Modi thinks US cannot afford sanctioning India after it sanctioned China for buying similar equipment.

[Dan Warnick + 6,100]

India is a democracy, a friend, and is in need.  It is also a balance to China's power and that of Pakistan.  I think a bit of slack can be given from time to time and history shows this to be true.

[ronwagn + 6,290]

12 hours ago, 50 shades of black said:

And it's done without US willingness, ignoring US warnings. So, does it mean Goodbye US from South Asia?

No, South Asia will be following its own self interest. That entails distancing itself from China while remaining friends. China is the new threat to freedom around the world. It will gain power to the extent it is allowed to.