After landmark talks, US and India signal Ukraine war divide won’t derail mutual ‘China challenge’ focus
- Despite contrasting stances over Ukraine, Washington supports New Delhi as a defence industry leader and net provider of security in the Indo-Pacific
- The two countries pledged to reinforce ties amid ongoing challenges from China, and to cooperate further in defence, cyberspace, space and maritime security
The amicable signals emanating from leaders of the United States and India this week stood in stark contrast to the awkward tensions between the two countries just days earlier due to their stances over the war in Ukraine.
In meetings between India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar, defence minister Rajnath Singh and their US counterparts Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, Washington said it supported Delhi as a defence industry leader in the Indo-Pacific and a net provider of security in the region.
Speaking at a press conference after the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Austin said that the “operational reach” of the two countries’ militaries would be extended “to coordinate more closely together across the expanse of the Indo-Pacific”.
Both have pledged to undertake more “high-end exercises” to reinforce ties with like-minded countries amid ongoing challenges from China. They also agreed to further cooperation in defence, cyberspace, space and maritime security.
Analysts said that these positive gestures are clear signs the US does not want to alienate India in its bid to contain China, and that the 2+2 talks have signalled that bilateral ties are moving forward.
Days before the meetings, US president Joe Biden called India’s stand on Ukraine “somewhat shaky” while a US official warned that the consequences of aligning with Moscow would be “significant and long-term”.
India stood firm and refused to criticise Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, choosing to promote dialogue to end the war and suggesting respect for the sovereignty of each nation.