India’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war looms large in ‘2-plus-2’ talks with US
- Indian and US foreign and defence ministers will meet in Washington amid concern ties cooling because of different stances over the war in Ukraine
- Analysts say discussions allow both sides to be frank while reaffirming shared views, including concern over China’s rising assertiveness
India’s foreign and defence ministers will hold talks with their American counterparts in a “2 plus 2” format in Washington on Monday amid speculation that once-warming ties between the countries have now been set adrift by their differing views on the Ukraine-Russia war.
Foreign policy analysts said Monday’s face-to-face talks would allow both sides a chance to exchange frank views on the conflict, while also affirming that their bilateral ties were, overall, on a firm footing.
“This is a great platform to signal bilateral ties are on track and moving forward,” said Arun Singh, a former Indian ambassador to the US.
But ahead of the talks India also made it clear it was in no mood to dilute its ties with Russia to strengthen relations with the US. While the US does not want any rapid acceleration of Indian oil imports from Russia, India has maintained that its legitimate energy transactions should not be politicised.
“Our focus is to maintain and stabilise our established economic relations with Russia,” Arindam Bagchi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, said on Thursday, according to The Times of India. Bagchi added that India has been very open about its ties with Russia.