It is not in India’s best interests to invest in Russian equipment, according to the US; a diplomatic firm says Delhi is ‘unlikely to follow advice.’

*Paromita Das

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Tuesday that it is not in India’s best interests to continue investing in Russian military equipment, emphasizing the US desire that New Delhi reduce its reliance on Russian military equipment.

“We continue to work with them (India) to ensure that they understand that it’s not in their best interests — we believe it’s not in their best interests — to continue to invest in Russian equipment,” Austin told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on the annual defense budget.
“And our requirement moving forward is that they downscale the types of equipment that they’re investing in and look to invest more in the types of things that will keep us compatible,” Austin explained.

The defence secretary was responding to a question from Congressman Joe Wilson, an India ally who has recently been critical of India’s decision to take an independent stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sadly, our valued ally India, the world’s largest democracy, has chosen to align itself with the Kremlin by opting for Russian weapons systems over American and allied options, according to Wilson.
What weapons platforms could we offer through the foreign military sales programme to entice rush — Indian leaders to reject Putin and align with its natural democratic allies? He inquired.

According to Austin, the United States has the best weapons systems and the most advanced weapons systems in the world. As a result, the defense secretary stated, “we have a range of capabilities that we can provide or offer (to India).”

I hope you will continue to work with the wonderful people of India. And what a great ally they could be if we removed some of the sales restrictions, Wilson said.
Meanwhile, a leading American global strategy and commercial diplomacy firm has stated that India is unlikely to follow American advice and pursue an alternative option to Russian defence and energy procurement.

The prestigious Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) stated in a report on India that it has heard from involved officials that they are disappointed with India’s neutral stance toward Russia.

This advice is unlikely to be followed by the Indian government, at least not as quickly as Washington would like. According to Albright Stonebridge Group, this schism could harm India’s reputation as a partner among US politicians and the general public, as well as the administration’s confidence in the bilateral relationship’s near-term prospects.