2+2 India-US Meet: Antony Blinken urges countries to avoid major weapons deals with Russia

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States is urging all nations not to have significant weapons transactions with Russia.

He made these marks after the conclusion of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of India and the United States.

“We continue to urge all countries to avoid major new transactions for Russian weapons systems, particularly in light of what Russia is doing to Ukraine,” Blinken said when asked whether Washington is considering imposing sanctions on India over procuring S-400 air defence systems.

“We have not yet decided regarding potential sanctions or potential waivers under the CAATSA law.” He recognised that there is a long history and long relationship between India and Russia in the trade of military equipment. “That relationship took hold at a time when we were not able and willing to be a partner to India. Now we are both able and willing to be such a partner — to be the security partner of choice for India.”

Addressing a joint press conference, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States is actively discussing military modernisation with India and is prepared to make weapons systems more affordable to Delhi, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a press conference following meetings with top Indian officials.

India uses several Russian-made weapons, including tanks and missile systems, and has signed deals, including the purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, India has refused to join the Western sanctions against Russia despite the looming threat of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).