South Africa tour of India 2019
United States Wants India To Cut Its Defence Purchases From Russia
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said the US is working with India to make New Delhi understand that its dependence on Russian military equipment is not in the best interest of India.
“And our requirement going forward is that they downscale the types of equipment that they are investing in and look to invest more in the types of things that will make us continue to be compatible,” Austin said.
The comments came as the defense secretary was responding to a question of Congressman Joe Wilson, who criticized India's position on Russia amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
“Gruesomely, our treasured ally India, the world’s largest democracy, is choosing to align itself with the Kremlin by choosing Russian weapons systems over American and allied options,” Wilson said.
“What weapons platforms could we offer through the foreign military sales program that would incentivize rush — Indian leaders to reject Putin and align with its natural allies of democracy?” he asked.
“I look forward to you continuing to work with the great people of India. And what a great ally they can be if we eliminate some of the restrictions on sales,” Wilson said.
US's concern over India's dependence on Russian military equipment comes and New Delhi has made it clear that it will continue to buy cheap Russian oil.
Russian-made tanks, artillery guns, and missile systems are used by the Indian military. Delhi has also signed deals to buy Russia's S-400 air defense system, which has been threatened with sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
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