Indian Foreign Policy is independent, India reprimands US who is issuing warnings over S-400

New Delhi: – The United States has once again issued a warning over the Indian purchase of the S-400 air defence systems from Russia. US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, said that India would have to make some tough decisions. Jester pointed out that India may have to face US sanctions if it goes ahead with this defence deal with Russia. But the Indian foreign ministry reprimanded the United States saying that India has an independent foreign policy. Foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said that India takes the decision regarding the purchase of which weapon systems and from whom, keeping in view the country’s defence requirements.

There is a transition of power happening in the United States, and Joe Biden will take over the reins soon. Biden’s policies regarding India will not be the same as President Trump. Talks are rife that Biden will adopt an anti-India stand on many issues. As per some analysts, Biden will not allow the same concessions during the Trump tenure. The statements made by US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, endorse the views of these analysts. Saying that India will have to make some tough decisions while purchasing the S-400 system from Russia, he indicated that India might face US sanctions.

Ambassador Juster also proposed that India can purchase a more advanced air defence system from the United States instead of buying the S-400 from Russia. India completed the USD 5.43 billion with Russia without paying any heed to the threats of US sanctions. As per the deal, Russia will be supplying five S-400 air defence systems to India. It is believed that this will substantially strengthen the Indian air defence capabilities. The United States had objected to this. President Trump even threatened to impose sanctions against India. But as per the US law, he avoided taking any action in this matter.

The statements made by Ambassador Juster could be a tactic of the new US administration to pressurise India. This could be used during the negotiations between the two countries. Going further, if Biden imposes sanctions against India, there is a thick possibility that the United States will have to take a major hit.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that India is a trusted ally of the United States and India is also a traditional friend of Russia at the same time. Srivastava clarified that India decides on the defence purchases keeping in view its defence requirements and India has an independent foreign policy. India is apparently delivering a message, once again, to the United States.