New Delhi, July 12, 2024 — In a pointed address at a conclave focused on the India-US defence partnership, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized the necessity for India and the US to uphold principles against violations of the rules-based order, especially in times of conflict. His comments come against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, which has drawn concerns from the White House and the US State Department.
The Context of Garcetti’s Remarks
Garcetti’s remarks, though not directly mentioning Modi’s Moscow visit or the ongoing Ukraine war, implicitly criticized the outcomes of the India-Russia Summit. The US ambassador underscored that strategic autonomy has its limits in times of global conflict, suggesting that India must align more closely with the US to maintain global order and stability.
“I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy, but in times of conflict, there is no such thing. We must know that we are trusted friends, brothers, and sisters,” Garcetti stated during the event at the United Service Institution of India.
India’s Strategic Autonomy and Global Relations
The ambassador’s comments highlight the delicate balance India maintains in its foreign relations, especially with its historical ties to Russia. Despite this, Garcetti suggested that India will have to choose between Russia and the US for its long-term military needs, pointing out the significant increase in US defence supplies to India from near zero in 2008 to approximately $25 billion in 2023.
Comparison with US-India Cooperation
Garcetti drew comparisons between the deliverables from Modi’s visit to Washington last June and the recent India-Russia Summit. He noted the substantial agreements made during Modi’s state visit to the US, emphasizing the depth of cooperation between the two democracies.
The ambassador also drew parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the military standoff on India’s northern border with China, stressing the importance of standing together on principles to enhance regional security and stability.
US Concerns Over India-Russia Relations
The US has consistently expressed concerns over India’s relationship with Russia, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite Modi’s emphasis on a peaceful resolution and condemnation of violence against children, the US has urged India to leverage its ties with Russia to advocate for an end to the war.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and other officials have conveyed these concerns to Indian counterparts, emphasizing the problematic timing of Modi’s Moscow visit, which coincided with a NATO Summit attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Future of India-US Relations
Garcetti’s repeated emphasis on not taking the India-US relationship for granted reflects a desire for deeper cooperation and mutual trust between the two nations. He called for concrete actions to ensure peace and stability, reinforcing the importance of the world’s two largest democracies working together against global aggression.
Stay updated with Sarhind Times for comprehensive coverage and analysis of international relations and geopolitical developments.
+ There are no comments
Add yours