New Delhi: – The United States is issuing threats and warnings in various ways that if India continued to trade with Russia, it would have dire consequences. The United States pointed this out to India even during the Two-Plus-Two talks between the two countries. But India has indicated that the US pressure will not affect India. While the United States and western countries have imposed harsh sanctions against Russia, preparations are being made to increase Indian exports to Russia by $2 billion.
Moreover, the Russian economy has been severely hit by the sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries. Russia was dependent on imports of many products from the European countries. These imports will stop given the sanctions. This has created an enormous opportunity for the industry sector in India, the closest ally of Russia. Russian leaders are pointing to this. This could result in a massive increase in Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agricultural products, Tea-Coffee, textile industry and Milk products to Russia. India has already started talks with Russia on the issue.
On the one hand, the United States pressures India not to buy fuel from Russia. The US Secretary of Defence issued a veiled threat that Indian fuel purchase from Russia would not be in Indian interests. Whereas the US Secretary of State said, ‘India purchased weapon systems from Russia when the United States was not available as a partner to India, but the situation has changed now. The United States is willing to provide weapons and other cooperation to India.’ The US Secretary of State suggests that India should scrap its cooperation with Russia in favour of the United States.
But India has flatly refused to change its traditional policies. It is being pointed out to the United States that not only on the fuel front, but India is also keen on cooperating with Russia on many other fronts. The Indian government is appealing that Russia should open up its markets for Indian products. Western media inform quoting sources that India has prepared a list of 20 items to export to Russia.
Despite excellent relations, the India-Russia trade has not been able to scale the expected height. Currently, the Indian exports to Russia stand at $3 billion. Whereas, Indian exports to the United States are nearly $68 billion. Despite this, India is unwilling to put its relations with Russia at stake for the United States. Instead, India seems to be preparing to increase cooperation with Russia risking US displeasure and sanctions.
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