India Responds to US Ambassador’s Criticism of Modi’s Russia Visit and Strategic Autonomy
New Delhi, 19th July 2024: On Friday, India addressed US Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s critical comments regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia and the country’s strategic autonomy policy, emphasizing that the robust relationship between New Delhi and Washington allows for differing perspectives.
Garcetti recently criticized Modi’s visit to Russia, arguing that strategic autonomy is untenable during conflicts and stressing that both India and the US should uphold international principles when confronted with violations of the rules-based order, particularly concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In response to these remarks during a media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the India-US strategic partnership permits a range of viewpoints on various issues. He reaffirmed New Delhi’s stance on strategic autonomy.
“India, like many other nations, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is certainly entitled to his perspective, but we have our views,” Jaiswal stated.
He added, “Our extensive global strategic partnership with the US allows for differences of opinion on certain matters while maintaining mutual respect positions.”
Jaiswal noted that India and the US engage in discussions covering bilateral, regional, and global issues under their strategic partnership. He clarified that it is not India’s practice to disclose the specifics of diplomatic dialogues publicly.
Key members of the US administration have expressed concerns about India’s ties with Russia and the timing of Modi’s visit, which coincided with a NATO summit in Washington supporting Ukraine.
Addressing another query about the recent attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Jaiswal stated, “Our Prime Minister expressed profound concern and condemnation of the attack shortly after the news emerged.” He emphasized Modi’s message that violence has no place in politics and democracies and conveyed best wishes for Trump’s recovery while showing solidarity with the victims’ families. “The US is a fellow democracy, and we wish them well,” Jaiswal concluded.
