New Delhi is a “great power” pursuing its own interests, the deputy secretary of state has said
According to US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, India is a powerful nation but will not become an ally or partner of the United States. However, he emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining positive relations with New Delhi.
Campbell, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, described India as “probably the most important relationship for the United States to get right,” highlighting the strong connection provided by the Indian diaspora in the US.
Acknowledging India’s aspiration for independence, Campbell stated that “the hardest thing to keep in mind is that India is also a great power. It has its own beliefs, its own interests.”
“[India] will never be a formal ally or partner in the United States, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot have the strongest of possible relationships as allied nations on the global stage,” Campbell remarked.
He also expressed his expectation of India’s more direct involvement in the Ukraine situation, praising New Delhi’s efforts to “play a responsible role globally.”
These remarks follow Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia earlier in July, where he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on various matters in a “homely atmosphere.”
This visit drew considerable attention from Western nations. Reports indicate that the White House was “frustrated” with the timing of the visit, as it coincided with a NATO summit in Washington.
Modi subsequently expressed his appreciation for the open exchange of opinions with Putin on the Ukraine crisis, challenging Western attempts to isolate Russia due to the conflict. The Indian leader highlighted the emergence of “very interesting ideas” and “completely new views” from the talks with his Russian counterpart.
India has maintained its long-standing relationship with Russia, resisting Western pressure to distance itself from Moscow since the Ukraine conflict began. In response to US criticism, New Delhi has consistently emphasized its commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy.
The Indian prime minister is also reportedly planning a visit to Kiev next month. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed on Monday that there would be “more contact” between New Delhi and Ukraine as well as Russia.