U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti took a surprising jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his successful summit with Putin in Moscow on July 9-10, which focused on economic cooperation. During a defense partnership event on July 12, Garcetti dismissed India’s desire for strategic independence, saying that in times of conflict, such autonomy doesn’t exist. He emphasized the need for the U.S. and India to act as trusted allies, especially during crises like the Ukraine war.
India seemed unimpressed. Garcetti and Secretary of State Blinken were furious that Modi and Putin’s friendly meeting, complete with a bear hug, happened instead of Modi attending the NATO summit. Their reaction and Garcetti’s harsh words echo old colonial attitudes, suggesting the U.S. and Britain still think they can dictate India’s diplomatic choices.
U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti made a surprising and condescending comment about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia. During a productive two-day summit on July 9-10 in Moscow, Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin strengthened their economic ties. However, Garcetti, without directly naming Modi, criticized this move during a defense partnership meeting between India and the U.S. on July 12.
Garcetti arrogantly remarked, “I know that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” He went on to emphasize that in crisis moments, like the Ukraine war, the U.S. and India must act together as trusted allies. He insisted that concrete actions are necessary to ensure peace and prevent those who disregard peaceful rules from continuing their aggression.
India seemed unimpressed by Garcetti’s remarks. The U.S. Ambassador and Secretary of State Blinken were reportedly furious about Modi and Putin’s warm greeting and the deepening of their relationship. They were also upset that Modi chose to visit Russia instead of attending the NATO summit from July 9-11. Garcetti’s reaction, and his choice of words, echoed the old colonial attitude of Winston Churchill, who once derogatorily described Indians. It seems Garcetti believes that the U.S. and Britain can still dictate whom India can engage with diplomatically.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti stirred controversy with his recent speech, emphasizing that the relationship between India and the US should not be taken for granted. He subtly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Moscow and India’s stance on seeking a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, without directly mentioning them. Garcetti drew a parallel between Russia’s special military operation Ukraine and the ongoing India-China military standoff, suggesting that the situations are comparable violations of sovereign borders.
Garcetti highlighted the joint efforts between India and the US in developing weapons, conducting military exercises, and fostering military leadership exchanges. He argued that these collaborations would help both nations stand strong against global conflicts. He stressed that wars are no longer distant and urged for concrete actions to prevent aggressive nations from continuing their warfare unchecked.
He then compared the outcomes of the India-Russia Summit, which resulted in two joint statements and nine agreements, with Modi’s previous visit to Washington, which had 173 deliverables. This comparison aimed to showcase the depth and productivity of the US-India partnership.
However, as experts have highlighted, the highlight of Modi’s trip to Russia wasn’t the formal agreements but the informal pact between him and Putin to boost their collaborative efforts towards reshaping global power dynamics.
They aim to reinforce a tri-multipolar world, balancing between the US-led West, the Sino-Russian alliance, and the India-led Global South. This strategy counters the potential of a new Cold War-like division between the US and China, ensuring a more complex and multipolar global order. Their personal rapport and strategic discussions breathed new life into this ambitious vision, moving away from a potential Russian pivot towards China.
The highlight of Modi’s trip to Russia wasn't the formal agreements but the informal pact between him and Putin to boost their collaborative efforts towards reshaping global power dynamics. They aim to reinforce a tri-multipolar world, balancing between the US-led West, the… pic.twitter.com/8bc5cishTV
— GreatGameInternational (@GreatGameIndia) July 17, 2024
Acknowledging India’s reliance on Russian military equipment, Garcetti suggested that India will need to choose between Russia and the US for its long-term military needs. He pointed out the significant increase in US defense supplies to India, from nearly zero in 2008 to approximately $25 billion in 2023.
Garcetti reiterated that the US-India relationship, while strong, is not yet deep enough. He emphasized the importance of standing together on principles, particularly regarding the respect for sovereign borders, to enhance regional security and stability.
The US continues to express concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. US officials have raised these concerns with their Indian counterparts, pointing out the timing of Modi’s visit to Moscow, which coincided with the NATO Summit attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Sources revealed that the US was unhappy with the lack of prior indication about Modi’s Moscow visit, especially during National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also expressed concern about the visit’s timing in a phone call to Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, highlighting its problematic nature for Washington.
Why Putin-Modi Bear Hug Is A Bitter Pill For Washington To Swallow https://t.co/3O3PMT9RLD
— GreatGameInternational (@GreatGameIndia) July 11, 2024
Bloomberg highlighted its concerns about the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow with the article that begins with, “For Washington, isolating Vladimir Putin just keeps getting harder.” India’s close ties with Russia are a “bitter pill for Washington to swallow.”
The U.S. has invested significant effort to bring India closer, aiming to use it as a counterbalance to China. American diplomats have worked hard to steer investments, encourage technology sharing, and boost defense cooperation with New Delhi.
Recent events have added to the growing anxiety in Washington and London about their diminishing ability to control global affairs, making this article a snapshot of their increasing frustration.
Do you have a tip or sensitive material to share with GGI? Are you a journalist, researcher or independent blogger and want to write for us? You can reach us at [email protected].
2 Responses
Things were getting too hot for Modi on the domestic front With Ram mandir/exam paper leaks, new roads sinking in Ayodhya, bridges falling, trains colliding, BJP supported babas gathering thousands of Hindus without proper safety arrangements resulting in the death of hundreds at a time. All this happening in BJP ruled DEngine states. Plus terrorist attacks in J&K, Manipur still burning. Modi had to run for a while to deflect the attention with the help of Godi TV channels. Out of the 3 super powers Modi wisely chose Russia.
Do you think hindu voters care. You can not impose muslim mindset on middle class hindu supporters.we only wish congress does not rule bharat.