WASHINGTON: With a gentle smackdown of the narrative New Delhi somehow remains uncritical of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine because of its defense and energy needs, India on Monday asserted its nuanced and independent stand on the slavic conflict while persuading the US to accept its position and continue elevating bilateral ties.
A press conference at the conclusion of the 2+2 dialogue between the top foreign and defense officials of the two sides revealed both sides agreeing not to let differences over the Russia-Ukraine issue affect a more expansive relationship.
“We watch what’s happening in the world, like any country does, and we draw our conclusions and make our assessments. And believe me, we have a decent sense of what is in our interest and know how to protect it and advance it,” India’s external affairs minister S.Jaishankar asserted in response to mild criticism from US and searching questions from reporters about why India had not condemned Moscow’s aggression and whittled down energy purchases from
While it may not have condemned Russia outright, Jaishankar suggested that India’s position outlined at the UN and other forums that it is “against the conflict… for dialogue and diplomacy…and for an urgent cessation of violence,” was critical of Moscow.
