US Expresses Concern Over India’s Ties with Russia and China, Cites Risks in Arms Sales

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between the US and India over the purchase of Russian oil seem to be increasing once again. A top White House official has accused India of increasing its proximity with Russia and China and said that under these circumstances selling US weapons to India has become "risky". At the same time, India has denied these allegations and said that it is being unfairly targeted on the issue of oil purchase.

In an article published in the Financial Times, White House trade affairs advisor Peter Navarro has made a sharp comment on India's stance. He wrote, "New Delhi is now getting closer to both Russia and China. If India wants us to treat it like a strategic partner, then it should act accordingly."

Navarro further wrote that India has become one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil, converting it into expensive products and providing Moscow with dollars, which it desperately needs. He said that these close relations of India with Russia and China make it risky to hand over American military capabilities to India.

This is not the first time that the US administration has cornered India on this issue. Earlier, former President Donald Trump has also criticized India on several occasions for buying Russian oil. Trump had imposed a hefty tariff of 25-25 percent on India twice during his tenure and cited the trade deficit of the US with the BRICS countries as the reason for this. During that time too, India was fined for buying Russian oil.

India has, as always, given a measured and firm response to US objections. The Foreign Ministry has clarified that India is free to take all necessary decisions to protect its economic interests. India also reminded the US that it is not the only buyer. According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, many member countries of the European Union are also importing large quantities of goods and energy from Russia. When a journalist questioned former President Trump about this, he too was seen avoiding giving a direct answer.