Responding to concerns expressed by a United States official regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, India emphasized its sovereignty in determining bilateral relations based on mutual interests. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that in a multipolar world, each country has the “freedom of choice.”
MEA’s Statement
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, stating, “We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, every country has freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.”
US Concerns
The US concerns were articulated by Donald Lu, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday. He expressed disappointment over the timing and symbolism of PM Modi’s visit to Moscow, which coincided with Russia’s attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. “We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends,” Lu said, according to PTI. He further noted that the visit did not result in any significant defense or technology agreements and mentioned that PM Modi publicly stated that the war could not be won on the battlefield.
Context of the Visit
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia in early July included summit-level talks with President Vladimir Putin, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. During the visit, Modi reiterated India’s concerns about the war in Ukraine. The visit also saw Modi being awarded the ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ by President Putin, recognizing his contributions to fostering bilateral ties.
Declining Defense Imports
Lu acknowledged concerns regarding India’s defense cooperation with Russia but highlighted that India’s defense imports from Russia have been declining. He mentioned that India has canceled billions of dollars in defense purchases from Russia over the past two and a half years due to delivery issues. “The Indians have canceled billions of dollars in defense purchases over these last two and a half years because the Russians can’t deliver anymore. So, we’re working very hard on that,” Lu added.
Conclusion
The exchange underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the balancing act that countries like India must perform in maintaining relationships with various global powers. While the US has expressed its concerns, India remains steadfast in its approach to bilateral relations based on its national interests.