Discussion of relations between India and America has started once again regarding Russia's S-400 missile system. After the visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on a visit to India, questions have arisen whether the US is preparing to impose sanctions on India. What are the implications of his visit? In the changing international scenario, what is the big challenge for India to balance relations with Russia and America? Know all these issues Prof. Opinion of Harsh V Pant (Director Studies and Head of Strategic Studies Program at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi).
What is the religious crisis before India?
Certainly, the US stands on the S-400 missile is a matter of religious concern for India. In fact, during the Cold War, India and Russia had good relations with the Soviet Union. At that time India's stand was clear. On the other hand, the international scenario has changed a lot since about one and a half decades. The security partnership between India and the US has grown for nearly 15 years. After the liberalization in India, relations between the two countries have strengthened. After the formation of the Quad, both the countries have become close to each other. India, along with its old friendship with Russia, is serious about its strategic needs. Secondly, the Russian S-400 missile is also essential for India's defense system. In such a situation, maintaining relations between the two countries is a big challenge for Indian diplomacy. This is a dangerous situation for India.
Why is Russia important to India?
See, India and America may have come close to each other strategically, but India still buys more than 80 percent of its military equipment from Russia itself. Israel and the US have also emerged as strong defense partners for India in recent years.
India's defense deal with Russia is not limited to the S-400. Russia has been providing defense equipment for both the armies of India. The Russian MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 are very effective in the Indian Air Force. Similarly, the Navy fleet also includes Russian jets and ships. India has also ordered nuclear-powered submarines from Russia. India and Russia have strong defense cooperation. It cannot end. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia sold a third of its arms exports to India from 2010 to 2019.
However, the proximity of Russia-Pakistan and Moscow's silence on the China border dispute has disappointed India. Russia has cleared its stand by keeping silent on the whole matter. Russia's indication was clear that India will have to protect itself, Russia will remain neutral in this matter. This stand of Russia is the result of a rapidly changing world scenario.
What is the purpose of this visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State?
This visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who visited India, should be seen as this episode. This visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State to India is taking place at a time when India is finalizing its process to include the Russian missile system. She was completely uncomfortable with this Indo-Russian deal. He has called this defense deal dangerous.
Sherman's stand shows that the US is standing on its earlier stand on the S-400 missile. Sherman made it clear in his visit what the Biden administration's policy is regarding the S-400 missile deal. Sherman has also taken up the issue with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He has also expressed concern about this deal to India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. However, Sherman has also given a positive message during their talks that both sides will resolve the issue.
Will India settle this issue peacefully?
India will have to sharpen diplomacy for India to reach this defense deal. The US has to assure that the deal will not affect the relationship between New Delhi and Washington. This defense deal is a strategic need of India. India will have to keep in mind how tough it can take on the S-400 missile. Because America has imposed sanctions on Turkey for this defense deal.
Will America impose sanctions on India like Turkey?
India is a major US ally and strategic partner. As far as the US sanctions are concerned, there is a split among American politicians regarding this too. One is in favor of India and the other is anti-India. He said that we think that US cooperation with India has an upper hand in this. This is a better position for Indian diplomacy. America will have to explain that this agreement is necessary for its security amid rising tensions with China. India has to make it clear that we are a sovereign and democratic nation. We are also free to fulfill our security obligations. No other country should interfere in this.
If America imposes sanctions on India then it will make a big mistake. The US should, by law, welcome this deal. When it comes to confronting China across Eurasia, America will need India, and not India will need America. America is an important partner for India. For America, India is the only friend in this region who wants to challenge China. If the US wants a solution to its relationship with China, then it will have to show patience with the sanctions in the case of India.
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