US raises concerns over India-Russia ties amid technology sharing agreements

The United States has expressed reservations about India's close relationship with Russia, highlighting potential implications for the sharing of high technology between Washington and New Delhi.

This issue surfaced following the second meeting of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) held in New Delhi, which aims to reduce trade barriers and foster collaboration in strategic industries, The Wire reported.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, speaking at an online media briefing, acknowledged these concerns. While emphasizing a desire to deepen technological ties with India, Campbell noted that the ongoing military and technological engagements between India and Russia could pose risks, particularly regarding the leakage of sensitive and dual-use technologies.

Despite these concerns, Campbell reiterated the US’ confidence and trust in India, stressing the importance of resolving disagreements respectfully within the framework of their strategic partnership. The we particularly raised the concerns due to India’s declared stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, where India refrained from publicly criticizing Russia for its invasion and has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil over the past two years.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Moscow next month, marking his first bilateral foreign trip in his third term and his first visit to Russia in five years. This visit aligns with Moscow’s strategic foreign policy approach, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between India and Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently remarked on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, highlighting Russia's contributions to India's state formation, economy, and military.

Lavrov also accused the United States of attempting to draw India into an anti-China alliance, particularly through its involvement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the US, Japan, and Australia.

He expressed scepticism about the Quad's purported non-military ambitions, suggesting that there are efforts to involve it in military and political projects. This stance reflects Russia's broader strategic concerns about US influence in the region.

Furthermore, Lavrov noted the absence of recent meetings in the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika format, attributing the hiatus to the ongoing border stand-off between India and China.

Despite this, he indicated that there are plans to revive the RIC format, emphasizing its importance as a precursor to the current BRICS forum. Lavrov expressed hope that trilateral cooperation would resume, benefiting all parties by unifying their positions on key issues concerning the Eurasian continent and the global agenda.