US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in India, to hold talks with Jaishankar on Wednesday

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to hold talks with the top Indian leadership.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pompeo will hold talks on Wednesday with India’s purchase of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, terrorism, H1B visas, trade and the situation arising out of US sanctions on buying oil from Iran are likely to be on the table.

The biggest area of concern for India is how to deal with US sanctions against Iran and Russia.

Diplomatic sources have however said that there is no “structured agenda” for the talks between Mike Pompeo and S Jaishankar. This is the first high-level engagement of the new Modi government’s with Trump administration.

“We have a longstanding defence relationship with Russia which we cannot wish away,” said an India today source.

“the US is well aware of and appreciative of our requirements. The legislation is very clear on issues such as under what circumstances can a waiver be given under CAATSA. The US administration has enough flexibility to give a waiver to India on CATSAA sanctions on the purchase of the S-400 air defence system”, added the source

Pompeo is expected to meet Indian and US business leaders in a round-table format and deliver a policy speech at the India International Centre in New Delhi. He will also be having a working lunch with Jaishankar and call on Modi on Wednesday.

The US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are dey to meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, which will be held in Osaka, Japan from June 28-29.