Last week, India’s strategic partner, the U.S., warned of consequences for any country, including India, which conducts local currency transactions through Russia’s central bank or constructs a payment mechanism that subverts or circumvents the U.S.’s sanctions against Russia. India’s consistent neutral position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, informed by its choices, has antagonised many countries, including the U.S. Will the relationship between the U.S. and India come under strain? In a conversation moderated by Suhasini Haidar, Lisa Curtis and Syed Akbaruddin weigh in on India’s non-aligned position on the war. Edited excerpts:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said India is on the side of peace in the Ukraine conflict, indicating that India is taking a neutral position. Is that how it is being perceived?
Lisa Curtis: There is a slight difference between the view of the American public, which is one of frustration, confusion and lack of appreciation for India’s position, and the view of the Joe Biden administration. As somebody who has followed the U.S.-India relationship for 25 years, I’ve been disappointed by India’s lack of condemnation of Russia, and its seeming lack of appreciation for the U.S.’s deep security interests in Europe and the horrific war that Russia has waged on Ukraine. That said, the Biden administration has taken the long view of India and places high value on the strategic partnership with India. New Delhi is playing a central role in the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy and its approach to China. Where you see a lot of frustration coming from U.S. Congressional members, you see a much more patient approach from the Biden administration. But I wonder how long the administration’s forbearance can last, unless we see some kind of shift in India’s position, which perhaps we’re starting to see, with the recent reports of civilian casualties. This is a welcome change. But how far India will adjust its position, we don’t know.
