US Ambassador to India Raises Concerns About India's Strategic Autonomy and Relationship with Russia
Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, has expressed concerns about India's strategic autonomy and its relationship with Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a defense conclave in Delhi, Garcetti acknowledged India's desire for strategic autonomy but emphasized that such autonomy does not exist during a conflict. He urged India and the US to work together to address security threats and build a deeper trust.
Garcetti's remarks come amidst criticism from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the bonhomie displayed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the recent India-Russia Summit. The summit coincided with a crucial NATO meeting addressed by US President Joe Biden, further raising concerns among Western nations.
Garcetti also drew parallels between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the military standoff between India and China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He stressed the interconnectedness of the world and the need for concrete actions against those who violate peaceful rules.
The ambassador commended the joint efforts of India and the US in developing weapons and conducting military exercises, highlighting their potential to serve as a "powerful ballast" against global instability.
Earlier reports suggested frustration among US officials regarding the timing of PM Modi's Russia visit and his interaction with Putin during the NATO Summit. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell reportedly attempted to reschedule the visit to avoid a clash with the summit.
Garcetti's statements underscore the complex dynamics between India, the US, and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war. While India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy, the US emphasizes the need for a united response against aggression and the importance of deepening trust between the two nations.