The eyes of the whole world are fixed on America’s stand on the India-Canada dispute. Meanwhile, news spread that U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti had warned his team about India-US relations. However, the U.S. Embassy has rejected it outright. Apart from this, the Pentagon has also reiterated its commitment to strong ties with India. The Pentagon on Friday said the United States would continue to foster a strong defence partnership with India.
Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said, “We greatly appreciate our relationship with India in defence. We will continue to foster a strong defence partnership with India. I think you will see us continuing to do so.” Let us tell you that in 1997, defence trade between India and America was almost negligible. Today, it is above US$20 billion.
In response to a question, Ryder said China remains a constant challenge for the Defense Department. He said, “India has for many years maintained peace and stability when it comes to preserving the sovereignty of nations and adhering to the international rules-based order. Our partnership with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region is appreciated.”
Relations With India Will Not Be Affected
A report said Garcetti had warned his team about the implications of New Delhi’s diplomatic row with Ottawa on India-US relations. The report said that Garcetti had told his country’s team that ties between India and the U.S. could be U.S. for some time due to the diplomatic dispute with Canada. He also said that America may need to reduce its contacts with Indian officials for some period.
The report quoted an American official saying that some people close to President Joe Biden believe that relations between PM Narendra Modi and Biden may worsen shortly due to this dispute.
Working Together With India
An embassy spokesperson said Garcetti is working hard to deepen the strong partnership between the U.S. and India. He has worked to advance India’s vital, strategic and productive partnership with the U.S. Mission in India. As his personal and public engagements demonstrate, Ambassador Garcetti and the U.S. Mission to India work daily to advance our essential, strategic, and productive partnership with India.
