WASHINGTON: According to the US State Department, the US does not view the world “in zero sum terms” and is aware that nations like India will need some time to change their policy toward Russia.
When reminded that India has lately expanded its purchases of Russian oil and fertilisers and is conducting joint military drills with Moscow, department spokesperson Ned Price made these comments during a Wednesday morning news briefing in Washington. Moreover, they are purchasing Russian defence systems.
We don’t view the world in all-or-nothing, all-in with the United States or nothing terms, Mr. Price added. We acknowledge that every nation in the world will use its sovereign right to decide for itself in accordance with its own evaluation of its interests and values.It should be “obvious how our common interests and our shared values often do match, and the profits that countries throughout the world may enjoy from engagement,” the United States,
Mr. Price was reacting to an American journalist whom claimed that Washington’s policies had failed when India declined to support the US position on Russia. “Countries from all around the globe have spoken out strongly against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including with its votes in the UN General Assembly.
In response to a query regarding India’s imports of Russian oil, Mr. Price stated, “But we also realise this is not switching a light switch.”This is something that is going to be a long-term proposition, especially for nations who have historical links with Russia, connections that, as is the case with India, reach back decades.