Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) – UPSC Prelims

CAATSA:
  • Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act(CAATSA) is a US federal law enacted in 2017. It imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia.
  • Purpose: The CAATSA Act empowers the US President to impose sanctions against certain countries. The sanctions are imposed on countries that engage in a significant transaction with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors.
  • The “ultimate goal” of CAATSA “is to prevent revenue to the Russian Government.
What type of sanctions will be imposed under the CAATSA act?
  • Prohibition on loans to the sanctioned country
  • Prohibition of Export-Import bank assistance for exports to sanctioned persons
  • Prohibition on procurement by the US Government to procure goods or services from the sanctioned persons
  • Denial of visas to persons closely associated with the sanctioned persons
Exemptions: The US President could waive off the sanctions if:
  • A Country is taking steps to reduce its dealings in terms of Russian weapons purchases or
  • A Country has better cooperation with the US on other security matters that are critical to the US strategic interests or
  • If the Russian weapons to the country do not significantly increase the risk to United States defence systems and operational capabilities.
Why in news?
  • India is buying S-400 system from Russia that might invite sanctions under CAATSA. But, till now, USA is silent on this deal.
  • US imposed CAATSA Sanctions on Turkey
Scroll to Top