Oil from Iran, S-400 deal not helpful for Indo-US relations

The United States Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said import of Iranian oil by India and the signing of the recent India-Russia S-400 Triumph air defence missile deal are not helpful for India and the United States relations.

"Certainly when we hear about things such as purchasing oil or purchasing of the S-400 systems, it's not helpful. The United States government just reviews that very carefully," Nauert said at a press briefing.

"As you all know, we were recently in India where that was a topic of conversation with the Indian Government. The President had addressed it - I believe it was just earlier today - which he was asked about that question about whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are re-imposed. And the President said - and I'm not going to get ahead of the President, certainly - but he said we'll take care of that," she added.

When asked about United States President Donald Trump's statement on the imposition of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on India, Nauert said, "Well, the President doesn't like to forecast his actions. I can't speak for the President. I'd just have to refer you back to the White House."

Earlier on Thursday, Trump had said that India will soon find out whether the CAATSA will be levied on the country for the purchase of high calibre missile systems from Russia.

When asked if India would be given a waiver for the purchase, Trump, while addressing the media in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, said: "India will find out."

"India is going to find out, aren't they?" he added on being asked if CAATSA sanctions apply to India.

The USA, while reacting to the USD 5 billion deal, had previously said that it cannot prejudge any sanctions decisions, and clarified that CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of its allies or partners.

-ANI