Washington, Amid concerns about India's ties with Russia, a senior US official on Thursday warned New Delhi that "a bet on Russia as a reliable long-term partner is not a good bet" and that Moscow would put on the side of Beijing instead of New Delhi in the event of a conflict between the two Asian giants.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made the remarks while responding to a question on MSNBC about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow, where he had extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We have made it clear to every country in the world, including India, that betting on Russia as a reliable long-term partner is not a good bet," said Sullivan, who was in India last month to meet his counterpart Ajit . Doval.
The senior US official also met Prime Minister Modi during his visit.
"Russia is getting closer to China. In fact, it is becoming China's junior partner. And in that way, they would side with China over India any day of the week. And... the Prime Minister "Modi, of course, has deep concerns about the potential for Chinese aggression against India that we have seen in recent years," Sullivan said.
Sullivan, however, acknowledged that countries like India have a historical relationship with Russia and that it will not change dramatically overnight.
"This is playing the long game. (The United States) is investing in democratic partners and allies around the world, including countries like India, and we believe that will pay off as we move forward," he added.
His remarks came a day after spokespersons from the Pentagon, White House and State Department reacted separately to questions about India's relationship with Russia and Modi's visit to Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi was in Russia for two days for the 22nd annual India-Russia summit that has been closely watched by the West amid the raging Ukraine conflict.
During his talks with Putin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi told the Russian President that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.
India has been firmly upholding its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia and maintained momentum in ties despite the Ukraine conflict.
India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has consistently advocated for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made the remarks while responding to a question on MSNBC about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow, where he had extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We have made it clear to every country in the world, including India, that betting on Russia as a reliable long-term partner is not a good bet," said Sullivan, who was in India last month to meet his counterpart Ajit . Doval.
The senior US official also met Prime Minister Modi during his visit.
"Russia is getting closer to China. In fact, it is becoming China's junior partner. And in that way, they would side with China over India any day of the week. And... the Prime Minister "Modi, of course, has deep concerns about the potential for Chinese aggression against India that we have seen in recent years," Sullivan said.
Sullivan, however, acknowledged that countries like India have a historical relationship with Russia and that it will not change dramatically overnight.
"This is playing the long game. (The United States) is investing in democratic partners and allies around the world, including countries like India, and we believe that will pay off as we move forward," he added.
His remarks came a day after spokespersons from the Pentagon, White House and State Department reacted separately to questions about India's relationship with Russia and Modi's visit to Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi was in Russia for two days for the 22nd annual India-Russia summit that has been closely watched by the West amid the raging Ukraine conflict.
During his talks with Putin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi told the Russian President that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.
India has been firmly upholding its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia and maintained momentum in ties despite the Ukraine conflict.
India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has consistently advocated for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
