US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned allies and partners against increasing Russian energy purchases. But during this time he also showed understanding about India’s position on Ukraine war. Addressing a joint media briefing after the conclusion of the 2+2 ministerial talks between the defense and foreign ministers of India and the US, Blinken said New Delhi’s relationship with Moscow dates back decades, not now.
“India’s relations with Russia have evolved over the decades. Those relations developed at a time when the US was not able to be a partner of the South Asian country (India),” he said.
However, he added that “times have changed” and the US is now capable and willing to be the partner of choice with India in almost every area, including “commerce, technology, education and security”. And that was the point of today’s talks.” On the issue of oil purchases and sanctions from Russia, the top US diplomat said that “there has been a decline in energy purchases.”
He said, “Of course, we are encouraging countries not to buy additional energy supplies from Russia. But every country is located differently, has different needs, requirements, but we encourage allies and partners to purchase Russian energy. Asking not to increase.”
India-US will strengthen military cooperation and expand its scope
Earlier, India and the US have agreed to strengthen military cooperation, expand its scope, co-production in the defense sector, participate in more joint military exercises and make the Indo-Pacific region free and inclusive in ministerial-level two-plus-two talks. . Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jai Shankar held the fourth ministerial level two plus two talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Antony Blinken in Washington late on Monday night.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden discussed various issues of bilateral and international importance in the virtual summit. During the two plus two talks, the two countries also talked about space and cyber space and India’s participation in multilateral joint exercises in Bahrain.
Later, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the two sides also discussed the issue of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and the promotion of terrorism by some countries.