Significance of India-US Relationship
Campbell defended India's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and said that Washington is privately engaging with New Delhi to build a stronger relationship over a longer time.
FREMONT, CA: In light of shifting global dynamics surrounding the Russia-Ukraine situation, the US has opted to strengthen its alliance with India while also providing New Delhi with security options. Kurt Campbell, a White House Indo-Pacific adviser, described the US-India relationship as the most important in the twenty-first century. While presenting at the Center for a New American Security panel discussion, the adviser stated that there are likely to be obstacles in every bilateral relationship, therefore the key is to stay focused. Maintaining a relationship with India is crucial in this decade. The US government is glad to scale up ties with the Indian government, greater intelligence links, and stronger trade, and economic links.
The adviser also mentioned how the US, along with the UK and Israel, will assist India in finding security alternatives. The western countries have been irritated by India's independent attitude on the Russia-Ukraine issue, as Washington has repeatedly pushed New Delhi to stand on the right side of history in the Ukraine crisis. Campbell, on the other hand, supported India's neutral posture on the issue, claiming that the US is privately working with India to develop a stronger partnership. However, it is apparent through conversations and engagements with Indian friends that they recognize the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. Hence on the security front, it is necessary to assist India in obtaining options, which include not just the United States but also countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Israel. The US has been collaborating with other nations to support India to have more options in terms of security and defence.
Campbell also remarked that India and the United States had made progress in creating solid cooperation. Although the relationship between India and the United States is challenging, it is required not just at the presidential-Prime Ministerial level, but also through institutions like the 2+2 discussion. Campbell also mentioned the 2+2 ministerial discussion between the military and diplomacy leaders, describing the meetings as excellent and that the two democracies were able to have a conversation about an array of issues" to improve cooperation and engagement. India's strategically autonomous foreign policy on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which began earlier this year, has drawn international attention to New Delhi. Given New Delhi's growing cooperation with Washington in the Quad grouping, many believed that India would ally itself with Ukraine and against Russia.
Dr Ami Bera, an Indian-American Democratic congressman who represents the California district that encompasses Sacramento and chairs the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Asia spoke about who had substantial weight over legislation and funding in that region. The US-India connection is strategic, and deep, according to US Representative who also stressed that he sees an opportunity in the relationship since India has shown a desire to move towards the west and the United States. The US has repeatedly stated that it recognizes India's historic ties with Russia and that it would be difficult for India to terminate ties with Russia swiftly.
