What Pentagon Said On India-US Relations After PM Modi’s Russia Visit

Washington: On Tuesday, the Pentagon said that India is a strategic ally and the country is looking to continue to “develop” that partnership. Last week, the US Ambassador to India had highlighted the commitment between the two nations to strengthen ties and friendship.

Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s Press Secretary , made the remarks at a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, PTI reported. The remarks were made in response to a question posed by a reporter on PM Modi‘s recent visit to Russia and the military relations between India and the US.

“India is a strategic partner, and we look forward to continuing to develop that partnership,” Ryder said in response to the question.

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said, “When it comes to Ukraine and Russia’s illegal occupation and invasion of Ukraine. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s up to Ukraine to decide when they are ready to negotiate for peace.” “Right now, our focus continues to be on working with Ukraine to provide them with what they need to defend their country and defend their sovereignty and take back territory. But at the end of the day, there’s no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

In the previous week, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, had said that friendship between India and the US is “true”.

“Our relationship is not a bet; it is a commitment and friendship that is true, tried, and tested. It is not a win or lose or a zero-sum game; it’s all about trusting each other without the hope for return. When we stand together with our friends, we can ensure that right can make might. When the two largest democracies come together, it reflects how much we value principles as the guiding light for peace in the world,” Garcetti said, as quoted by TOI in its report.

Garcetti highlighted that India and the US will continue to work together in a vast variety of fields, including technology, defence, and space, the report said.

“We want India to be a place we come to, to fix our ships, to find great jobs, and to know each other’s systems and training. Don’t take this relationship for granted; take it as a marriage that requires effort,” Garcetti added.

(With Inputs From PTI)