US House approves CAATSA waiver for India

Tags: International News

The US House of Representatives passed an amendment, which approves an exemption to India against CAATSA sanctions.

Important facts

• This amendment was passed by voice vote.

• This gives India an exemption to purchase S-400 missile defence systems from Russia under CAATSA sanctions.

• America's relaxation is in the direction of countering China.

• The amendment was passed during the floor consideration of the National Defence Authorization Act.

CAATSA Amendment

• The CAATSA amendment was drafted and introduced by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna.

• The amendment seeks the Joe Biden administration to grant India exemptions under CAATSA to help deter aggressive countries like China.

What is CAATSA?

• CAATSA stands for Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.

• The law authorises the US administration to impose sanctions on countries that buy major defence equipment from Russia.

• The US government is free to take punitive action under CAATSA against countries involved in transactions with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors.