Russia will always remain a long-term, reliable partner for India, U.S. NSA should know
Soviet Union and now Russia have been the most reliable and trustworthy partner of India since as early as 1961. It was Soviet Union which had agreed to supply the latest submarines, missile boats and MiG 21 supersonic jet fighters at the cheapest rate possible when Britain had purposely ditched at the last minute. This helped India to prevent Pakistan from doing any worthwhile damage during the 1965 War. Next it helped India to liberate Bangladesh during 1971 war with Pakistan.
The Indo Soviet Union treaty signed in 1971 was honoured by the Russians to the hilt. Western resolutions in UNSC, siding Pakistan were vetoed by the Russians time and again. And saga of Russian submarines foiling move of American Flotilla led by ENTERPRISE, towards Chittagong Harbour is so well known.
Thereafter too, till now, it is the Russian cooperation which has made India a formidable military power. Today India is a missile power in its own right, making own nuclear powered submarines, aircraft carriers and fighter jets.
Then in last two years Russia has supplied oil to India at the cheapest rate possible, thus helping Indian economy from getting affected by any international turmoil. So no wonder India too regards Russia as the closest strategic friend and partner.
However USA and Western Europe are showing concerns over India’s ties with Russia, a top US official, like a fool, on Thursday even cautioned New Delhi that a “bet on Russia as a long-term, reliable partner is not a good bet” and Moscow would side with Beijing over New Delhi in case of a conflict between the two Asian giants. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan made the remarks while replying to a question on MSNBC about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow where he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sullivan seems to be quite naïve, thinking on these lines. Firstly Russia is long term proven reliable partner unlike UK and USA. Secondly India believes in having bilateral relationship with many countries but each relationship is independent of other ….we do not believe in the philosophy that “if you are not in our camp then you are in the enemy camp “, we are not camp followers, others are welcome to follow us instead.
Thirdly India is fully capable of dealing with China in all spheres on its own and so is neither worried about close Russia China friendship or China USA rivalry
“We’ve 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 was in India last month for a meeting. Well India too has demonstrated its clear thinking by its PM embarking on his first International visit to Russia.
Sullivan, however, should know that India has a historic relationship with Russia and it’s not going to change for any other country’s sake.
“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,” said a naïve Sullivan.
Sullivan should know that instead USA should just start interacting with India on basis of EQUALITY with no strings attached and it will have better dividends.
His remarks came a day after spokespersons of the Pentagon, the White House and the State Department reacted separately to questions on India’s relationship with Russia and Modi’s visit to Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi was in Russia for two days for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit that has been watched closely by the West amidst the raging Ukraine conflict.
India has proudly displayed its its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties notwithstanding the West throwing tantrums over it.
India will never condemn Russia for the Ukraine conflict which commenced in 2022 because it is totally the result of NATO’s mad wish for expansion and is akin to the Cuban crisis of 1962.
Though India has consistently pitched for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
