India and the US have different perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine crisis. This has come up on many occasions. Whether there is a chance to vote in the United Nations against Russia or the issue of crude oil and defense purchases. Many of America’s statements on the question of strategic and defense procurement cannot be said to be correct in a diplomatic manner. In this context, there was a lot of discussion about the statements of America’s Deputy NSA Dalip Singh. In such an environment, the 2+2 dialogue between India and the US was organized in Washington. India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held joint forum talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Minister Lloyd Austin.
how were the signs
Despite the unprecedented efforts by Western countries to isolate Russia, China and India have been engaging with Russia in their own ways. At the same time, India’s relations with America are being done diplomatically. This was the first 2+2 level talks under US President Joe Biden. Earlier, the last 2+2 level talks were held in New Delhi in October 2020.
Such talks could not be held in 2021 due to disruptions in this process. Now in this format between the two countries got an opportunity to resume talks at the top level. In September 2021, talks were held alternately between the officials of the two countries. The resumption of talks in the 2+2 format has shown positive signs about the pace of bilateral ties and the wider political mood.
shadow of ukraine crisis
The shadow of the Ukraine crisis was visible on the current round of talks. However, the 2+2 talks gave both sides an opportunity to brainstorm on issues beyond this crisis. Despite unprecedented efforts to isolate Russia from Western countries, China and India (the world’s two largest economies) continue to engage with Russia in their own ways.
Importantly, some European countries, such as Germany, have also maintained their ties with Russia by continuing to import energy and other goods. There were some differences between India and America regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, but they did not come in the way of diplomatic relations. Both the sides clarified their position by presenting their stand on this issue at the top level. India spoke frankly about its relations with Russia.
American strategy
An important consensus has been reached on trade and defense relations in the talks. However, there are also indications that the US will continue to pressure India to take a stance against Russia and reduce its dependence on Moscow. In this direction, America will move specifically with two types of strategic goals – first short-term and second long-term.
Immediately, from the US side, the emphasis will be on India to cut oil imports from Russia as a sign. America has officially said such a thing. Similarly, the US also has a long-term desire for investments by India on Russian defense equipment.
try to fit both
Russia has been India’s friend and major trading partner since its inception. India, on the other hand, took care of its bilateral relations with the US as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke twice in a month. Discussed further strengthening of business and strategic partnership. The bilateral agenda of the two countries now includes issues such as defence, global public health, economic and commercial cooperation, science and technology, clean energy and climate finance as well as public-level interactions.
In the 2+2 talks, the emphasis was on the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Along with this, talks were also held to give impetus to the Indo-Pacific economic structure. Under this, a target has been set to adapt the digital economy and climate and energy sector changes in the region. Along with this, emphasis has also been laid on strengthening supply chains, increasing transparency and sharing of information. Under the ‘Build Back Better’ program, India and the US are seriously discussing to address the infrastructure gaps in the Indo-Pacific.
Russia is important, America is also important
Russia is the largest arms supplier to India. In 2020, India bought about 50 percent of its total weapons from Russia. Defense trade between India and Russia during 2018 to 2021 stood at $ 15 billion or Rs 1.12 lakh crore. The target of both countries is to increase this to $ 30 billion i.e. Rs 2.2 lakh crore by 2025.
The total trade of India-US was $ 146 billion i.e. 10 lakh crores till 2019, which is about 15 times of India-Russia trade. The US is India’s second largest defense ally after Russia. India’s defense trade with the US has reached $ 21 billion i.e. Rs 1.56 lakh crore.
what the experts say
There is support for India in the Quad group. Even though India’s close ties with Russia have been troubling the US for some time, India’s involvement in helping the Quad to Ukraine has been there. America should also be soft on this
Is Happening.
- Jitendra Nath Mishra, former diplomat
The strategic partner America wants to stand as an answer to China in the Indo-Pacific region, weakening it through sanctions to buy Russian weapons or oil
is not beneficial.
- Anil Trigunayat, Former Ambassador of India to Moscow