US president Joe Biden’s description of India’s response to Russia vis-a-vis Ukraine as “shaky” received pushback from Indian analysts, some of whom have been pointing out that the US and its European allies continue energy purchases from Russia (by one account, up to $600 million per day), while bearing down on India.
Others pointed to lack of US concern over China’s ingress into India.
“Here’s the paradox: At a time when India confronts China’s border aggression, including its threat of a full-scale war, Biden won’t open his mouth on that aggression. Yet an insensitive Biden calls “shaky” India’s response to a distant war he helped provoke with a forward policy,” tweeted Brahma Chellaney, a strategic affairs commentator.
Some others agree with the Russian version of the unfolding events — that it is the US and Nato provocation that caused Moscow to respond. “Uncalled for remark on India by Biden. US policy toward Russia has been teetering on shaky foundations since the end of Cold War and & now the structure is collapsing. Why should India pay for US folly in drawing Ukraine into Nato. US sanctions are hurting us and we should support them?” asked Kanwal Sibal, former India foreign secretary.
