Lagatar24 Desk
Palo Alto, California: Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice downplayed concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, stating that the United States cannot hold India to a “loyalty test” every time. Speaking at the Indus X (India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem) event, Rice emphasized the deep, bipartisan relationship between the two countries, highlighting that both sides share enduring interests.
“Countries wish to, as India says, have strategic autonomy, and I have no problem with that,” Rice stated, reaffirming that the strong partnership between India and the US will continue to grow based on mutual interests rather than any short-term tests of loyalty.
Rice, now the Director at the Hoover Institute at Stanford, was critical of Russia’s military capabilities, calling their equipment “junk.” She suggested that PM Modi’s visit to Moscow wouldn’t lead to significant defence-related outcomes but acknowledged that the US had been slow in enhancing military cooperation with India, missing critical opportunities along the way.
China’s Growing Influence
Rice also addressed the growing relationship between China and Russia, warning that the close ties between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose a challenge to India. She noted that while Russia was primarily a military power during the Cold War, China’s strength lies in its technological and economic prowess, making it a formidable global rival. China’s deep integration into global supply chains has made the current geopolitical landscape more complex than during the Cold War, she added.
Rice played a key role in advancing the Indo-US civil nuclear deal under the George W. Bush administration, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Efforts
Prime Minister Modi’s recent diplomatic efforts have included visits to both Russia and Ukraine. Following his visit to Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky, PM Modi also spoke with President Putin on August 27. India has maintained its position of supporting any mutually acceptable solution that could lead to peace between the two warring nations.
As part of ongoing efforts, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to visit Moscow soon to discuss potential resolutions for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India continues to assert its strategic autonomy while balancing its relationships with global powers, and PM Modi’s diplomatic engagements reflect the country’s careful approach in navigating international tensions.
