The article was first appeared in Mint on April 6, 2022.
The United States has expressed concerns over India’s stance regarding Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine invasion. President Joe Biden’s top economic adviser, Brian Deese, revealed that the administration has warned India about the potential consequences of aligning with Russia. Speaking at a breakfast event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, Deese emphasized that a “more explicit strategic alignment” with Moscow would lead to “significant and long-term” costs for India.
India’s position on the Ukraine crisis has strained its relationship with the United States and other Western nations. While the US, European Union, Australia, and Japan have imposed sweeping economic sanctions on Russia, India has opted to continue importing Russian oil and other commodities. This decision has raised concerns in Washington, where India is viewed as a crucial partner in counterbalancing Chinese influence in Asia.
Deese noted that US officials have been “disappointed” with some aspects of New Delhi’s reaction to the conflict. Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh recently traveled to India to discuss these concerns. During the visit, Singh communicated the US administration’s stance, cautioning against an increase in imports of Russian energy and other resources.
India’s reliance on Russian oil and military equipment remains a sticking point. As the world’s largest buyer of Russian arms, India argues that these imports are essential to address its security challenges posed by neighboring countries, Pakistan and China. Alternatives to Russian weapons are often deemed too costly or unsuitable for India’s immediate defense needs.
Despite pressure from Western allies, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resisted calls to scale back ties with Moscow. India’s neutral stance stems from its long-standing strategic and economic relationship with Russia, which provides India with critical defense technology and discounted oil supplies.
The US-India partnership, however, remains pivotal in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Washington has emphasized the need for India to align more closely with democratic nations and reduce dependence on Russian energy and defense systems. As the global geopolitical landscape shifts, India’s decisions in the coming months will likely have significant implications for its international relations and economic partnerships.
Read more: Mint
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