The missile deal has upset the US since India went ahead with it, ignoring Washington’s threat of punitive action under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
US President Donald Trump last week indicated that India could face action for signing the deal with Russia. (File Photo: AFP)
India on Thursday said it was in close touch with the US over the S-400 missile defence systems deal it has signed with Russia and the country’s oil purchases from Iran.
“We are engaged with the US and have shared our position on the missile deal…this has led to a better understanding by the US of our objectives and concerns,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing in New Delhi.
The idea was to remain engaged with Washington on the issue, he said when asked if India has worked out a price mechanism for the mega-deal signed with Russia during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India earlier this month.
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The missile deal has upset the US since India went ahead with it, ignoring Washington’s threat of punitive action under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). US President Donald Trump last week indicated that India could face action for signing the deal with Russia.
On India’s oil imports from Iran, the spokesperson said President Trump’s Special Envoy on Iran Brian Hook had visited New Delhi last week and held discussions with Indian officials, ahead of the second round of US sanctions against the Islamic nation which come into force from November 4. India, he said, had conveyed to him its position regarding oil purchases from Iran.
“We are engaged with all stakeholders on our energy security and our national interests…our position has been made known to the US,” the spokesperson added.
Asked if the internal debate in India over the Rafale deal with France has affected relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said, “not at all”. The two countries, he noted, enjoy a strategic partnership.
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