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Mattis seeks waivers from sanctions
Why it is in news?
- U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has sought waivers from sanctions on some countries making a transition from their military dependence on Russia, asserting that it will allow them to build closer security ties with America and strengthen U.S.’ allies in key regions.
More on news
- Mr. Mattis’ statement did not mention India, but for all practical purposes he has been seeking waivers for India from the punitive Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.
Its unintended consequences on India
- S-400 Triumf deal
- Though the Act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India, which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around $ 4.5 billion from Russia which U.S. officials say could be considered a significant military purchase.
- Mr. Mattis, who recently wrote a letter on the matter to chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator John McCain, demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo be empowered with the authority of issuing waivers to certain countries when it comes to the U.S. sanctions on Russia under CAATSA.
- “Russia should suffer consequences for its aggressive, destabilising behaviour and its illegal occupation of Ukraine. However, as we impose necessary and well-deserved costs for their malign behaviour, providing the Secretary of State with a CAATSA waiver authority is imperative, Mr. Mattis said in a statement on Saturday.
- “The fundamental question we must ask ourselves is do we wish to strengthen our partners in key regions or leave them with no other option than to turn to Russia, thereby undermining a once-in-a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the U.S. vision for global security and stability,” Mr. Mattis said.
Finding a way
- Last week, several U.S. lawmakers had said that they were working to get CAATSA waivers for India.
- Senator Mark Warner, who is a strong proponent of CAATSA, said the lawmakers were looking into it and did not want India to suffer its unintended consequences.
source
The hindu