US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday that the US has “some concerns” about India's ongoing military and technology cooperation with Russia, even as Washington remains focused on working with New Delhi to Areas can be narrowed with disagreement.
Campbell's remarks, widely seen as an architect of the Biden administration's Asia strategy, came amid reports that India and Russia are discussing the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow next month. Looking for However, Campbell, during an online media briefing, dismissed the question whether such a visit could affect India-US relations.
He said the US and India have had “full and frank” discussions on “engagement with key countries”, including India's relationship with Russia.
“We have clarified which areas are militarily and technologically affected by the ongoing relationship between India and Russia. I think there are steps we can take to mitigate some of those engagements and we have done some have expressed concerns,” he said in response to a question about reported concerns that sensitive technology supplied to India by the US could be accessed by Russia.
He said the US has confidence and trust in India as it seeks to advance bilateral partnerships in technology and Washington also wants to develop “deeper and stronger technological ties” with New Delhi. “There are many areas of alignment between the two countries, but it is not surprising that there will be areas where we may have different perspectives, ideologies, historical ties,” he added.
Campbell said that in the context of a bilateral strategic partnership, an important aspect is “our ability to share our views on areas where we sometimes disagree, to do so respectfully and where possible try to narrow down the areas where there are differences”, said Campbell.
While India and the US have increased cooperation in joint development and production of military equipment and launched the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), Russia remains the largest supplier of defense hardware, accounting for nearly 60 percent. Uses weapons. Indian Armed Forces.
Campbell also outlined some of the steps taken by the US and India to advance ICET in a meeting between US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jack Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval last week. Presented. Campbell was part of the delegation that accompanied Sullivan to the meeting.
He said ICET is at the heart of the India-US partnership, which puts technology “at the heart of our ambitions”. India is part of a very small group of countries with which the US works on new technologies and the two sides have advanced strategic cooperation in space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, AI, quantum computing and biotech.
The two sides held passionate discussions on cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The move will bring together the Indian Prime Minister's Office and the National Security Council, along with the US State and Defense Departments, as well as the two navies. “We believe that the Indian Ocean is an important place to deepen our cooperation and dialogue.”
As both sides focus on security issues, trade and technical cooperation, the US values India's “pivotal role” in the Indian Ocean and India's maritime domain as part of a shared interest in maintaining peace and stability. Wants to support awareness and military capabilities, Campbell said.
A letter of offer and acceptance for the drones was delivered to India in early March, Campbell said in response to a question about proposed US deals to supply India with MQ-9B drones and Stryker combat vehicles. “I think we are waiting for the signature. [of the letter] To move on. General Atomics is negotiating the details of the sale with the Indian Ministry of Defense and we are obviously ready to work with them to resolve any outstanding questions.
India has expressed interest in joint production of the Stryker combat vehicle although the two sides are in “relatively early stages” and the US military plans to demonstrate the vehicle's capabilities to the Indian Army at an early stage.