New Delhi: After the US Ambassdor to India Eric Garcetti spoke a few days back of 'strategic economy' with regards to India, India US relations are again in the eye of a storm. In another fresh comment on PM Modi's visit to Russia, a statment was made in the American Congress that said that America is disappointed with the 'timing chosen' and the kind of 'symbolism' that emerged from it.
U.S. Assistant Secretary Donald Lu's commented that India has cancelled billions of dollars of purchase from Russian defence industry because Russia cannot deliver. He also said that he has been in communication with the Indian government on their 'displeasure and disappointment' with the Prime Minister's visit to Moscow.
Under Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, expressed disappointment to the US Congress about the “symbolism and timing” of Modi’s trip to Russia. Lu highlighted the 'tough conversations' taking place between the US and India over their relationship with Russia, despite efforts to mitigate the impact on US-India ties, that included a call between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan.
Defending its freedom of choice India countered US allegations with a stern response defending Russia India long standing relations.
MEA Spokeperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'You must understand that India has long-standing relationship with Russia, that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multi-polar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.'
'On the comments made by Donald Lu in the US Congress, we have conveyed what we had to. As far as Russia and India concerned, it’s a large, and it’s a long standing relationship. There are several aspects to it and recently we had the visit of Prime Minister, we also issued a joint statement where different aspects of our relationship were highlighted, what are the areas where we are moving forward, there was thrust on economic aspects to the relationship,' Jaiswal emphasised.
The exchange of statements came at a critical time when EAM Dr S Jaishankar begun his visit to Laos and Japan, where he is expected to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the ASEAN and Quad meetings.
