India-US 2+2 next week has ‘nothing to do with’ US disapproval of India’s ties with Russia
New Delhi, April 7 (Bureau) Ahead of their 2+2 talks, India on Thursday said that Washington’s open disapproval of New Delhi’s continuing economic engagement with Russia has nothing to do with the India-US dialogue between their foreign and defence ministers. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh prepare to hold talks with their counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 11 in Washington, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi brushed aside the talk by US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh of “consequences” if India continues its purchases of energy from Russia. “I don’t think that has anything to do with the 2+2 talks,” said the spokesperson, referring to queries on Singh’s statements made in India last week. “We have a very strong, diversified, and robust relations with the US and the 2+2 is in the context of that,” he said, adding that India is “looking forward” to the April 11 talks.
He said the 2+2 talks would enable both sides to undertake a comprehensive review of cross-cutting issues in the India-US bilateral agenda related to foreign policy, defence and security with the objective of providing strategic guidance and vision for further consolidating the relationship.” “The 2+2 Dialogue will also provide an opportunity to exchange views about important regional and global developments and how we can work together to address issues of common interest and concern,” he added. The EAM will visit the US from April 11 to 12. He will also hold a bilateral with the US Secretary of State, and is scheduled to meet senior members of the US administration to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
US Deputy NSA for International Economics Daleep Singh during his India visit had warned that there would be consequences for countries that are attempting to circumvent the US sanctions on Moscow, referring to India seeking to purchase Russian fuel at discounted prices. Reiterating India’s position, in view of the West’s sanctions, the MEA spokesperson said: “Let me emphasise that energy flows to Europe are continuing, fertiliser purchases have been insulated. There are such other examples also. “So I will rely on what the EAM said (in parliament), that political colouring should not be attributed to our actions,” he added. Referring to the talks that Singh had in India, he said the US Deputy NSA is also the US G20 Sherpa. “We had broad ranging discussions during his visit, on contemporary economic issues such as working with India in the G20, on India’s forthcoming G20 presidency, on infrastructure development, on climate finance, on critical technologies and ensuring, food security.” “He also briefed us on the context, objective, and efficacy of US sanctions on Russia,” he added.