Migration to long-term dependence on Russia as a partner on whom India can count is not such a good idea, said a top US official, amid fresh concerns over the relationship that India shares with Russia. The top US official hinted at Moscow siding with Beijing rather than New Delhi in the case of an actual conflict between these two Asian giants.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in an interview to MSNBC. The discussion was on the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow where he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We have made clear to every country in the world, including India, that a bet on Russia as a long-term, reliable partner is not a good bet," said Sullivan, who had visited India last month for a meeting with his counterpart Ajit Doval.
During his visit, Sullivan also met with Prime Minister Modi.
“Russia is becoming closer to China. In fact, it’s becoming the junior partner to China. And in that way, they would side with China over India any day of the week. And … Prime Minister Modi, of course, has profound concerns about the potential for Chinese aggression against India. Which we have seen over recent years,” Sullivan said.
However, Sullivan acknowledged the deep historical ties between countries like India and Russia, noting that such relationships would not change dramatically overnight.
“This is playing the long game. It (US) is making investments in democratic partners and allies around the world including countries like India and we think that that will pay off as we go forward,” he added.
Sullivan’s remarks followed separate responses from spokespersons of the Pentagon, the White House, and the State Department regarding India's relationship with Russia and Modi’s visit to Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi was in Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, which the West monitored closely due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
During his discussions with Putin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that resolving the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved through military means and that peace efforts are futile amidst ongoing violence.
India has consistently defended its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia and has maintained strong ties despite the Ukraine conflict.
While India has not condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, it has consistently advocated for resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
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