Reuters ADNAN ABIDI
The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, warned India of the possibility of being subjected to sanctions if it bought the Russian “S-400” air defense systems, calling on all of his country’s allies to “stay away” from Russian weapons.
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At a press conference held today, Saturday, after talks in New Delhi, Austin said that he discussed with the Indian party the planned acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems, adding that the United States calls on all its allies to “stay away from Russian military equipment.” As well as “avoiding any steps that may lead to US sanctions.”
Austin pointed out, however, that the issue of imposing sanctions on India was not currently discussed in New Delhi because the S-400 has not yet been started in the country.
And the US Secretary of Defense continued: “India is a democratic country that values its values … We can work together and we will do that.”
India concluded a contract to supply 5 regiments of S-400 systems during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the country in 2018, which sparked discontent in the United States, which imposed sanctions on Turkey for purchasing this weapon from Russia.
Source: Agencies
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