It seems that the Indian premier, Narendra Modi, did not get the memo from Britain: “Russia faces global isolation – again“.
On Thursday, during the visit of the Russian president to India, Modi tweeted: “Wonderful day with President Putin. Our meeting was comprehensive. India’s partnership with Russia is incomparable.”
At a joint news conference after meeting Putin, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s deep defense ties with Russia, cryptically observing. “Even if India’s options have increased, Russia remains our most important defense partner.”
The United States on Thursday expressed its disapproval of India concluding defense and nuclear deals with Russia, saying it is not time for “business as usual” with Moscow in the backdrop of its aggression in Ukraine.
Washington also said it is troubled by the presence of the leader of the breakaway Crimean region in President Putin’s delegation to India and has sought clarifications from New Delhi about it.
The Russian leader’s engagement in New Delhi, particularly his being accompanied by Sergey Aksyonov, the Prime Minister of Crimea, evoked sharp reaction in Washington, where preparations are already underway for President Obama’s visit to India at the end of January.
The fact that Russia and India are trumpeting business ties, particularly in the area of nuclear power at a time the US-India civilian nuclear deal is yet to attain fruition, appeared to gall Washington, which has tried to isolate Putin for a referendum in Crimea. India does not support western sanctions against Russia for his actions in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko meanwhile lashed out at India, saying India was placing more importance on money than values by welcoming the “criminal” Aksyanov, and it was ”not standing with civilization” against Russian aggression.
The flap could cast a shadow over Obama’s visit to New Delhi late January, when the US president will be chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade, which also serves as an occasion for New Delhi to showcase its military hardware.
“Our view remains that it’s not time for business as usual with Russia,” spokesperson Jen Psaki at the US State Department briefing, said.