July 11th 2024.
In the midst of concerns about India's relationship with Russia, a senior US official has advised New Delhi to think twice before relying on the latter as a long-term and dependable partner. On Thursday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed his views on this matter during an interview with MSNBC. He was responding to a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow, where he held extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sullivan emphasized that the US has made it clear to every country, including India, that depending on Russia as a reliable partner for the long run is not a wise decision. He also mentioned that he had personally conveyed this message during his visit to India last month, where he met with his counterpart Ajit Doval and also had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Modi.
The top American official went on to explain that Russia's alliance with China has been growing stronger, to the point where it is now considered the junior partner in the relationship. In case of a conflict between India and China, Russia would most likely side with the latter. This could potentially create a challenge for Prime Minister Modi, who has expressed concerns about China's aggressive behavior towards India in recent years.
However, Sullivan acknowledged that countries like India have a long-standing relationship with Russia that cannot be changed overnight. He described this as a long-term game, where the US is investing in democratic partners and allies around the world, including India. According to him, this strategy will prove to be beneficial in the future.
The US official's remarks came a day after spokespersons from the Pentagon, White House, and State Department addressed questions about India's ties with Russia and Prime Minister Modi's visit to Moscow. It is worth noting that the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, which took place during Prime Minister Modi's two-day visit, has been closely observed by the West due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During his meeting with President Putin, Prime Minister Modi stressed that a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible through warfare, and efforts for peace cannot succeed amidst violence. Despite the ongoing conflict, India has continued to maintain its strong relationship with Russia, which is described as a "special and privileged strategic partnership." India has also consistently called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In conclusion, the US official's caution to India serves as a reminder that long-standing relationships cannot be taken for granted and that strategic partnerships must be carefully considered. As India continues to navigate its relationships with various countries, it is crucial to keep in mind the importance of investing in democratic allies and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
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