Amidst the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, all focus has been shifted to India over its 'abstained' stance on the ongoing war in eastern Europe. After opting to abstain from voting against Russia in United Nations Security Council, New Delhi carried forward its approach when the same resolution was brought in the General Assembly.
On Wednesday, 193-member United Nations General Assembly voted on the resolution titled "aggression against Ukraine". 141 were in favour of the resolution that strongly deplores the Russian invasion of Ukraine and seeks an end to it. However, India and 34 other members refrained from voting. After India abstained from voting at UNGA, Permanent Representative to UN TS Tirumurti addressed the Assembly, demanding safety and security of Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine.
Amidst India's 'balanced' approach, New Delhi might find itself in the middle of the cross-fire between its two strategic allies USA and Russia. Now, as US Diplomat Donald Lu, the Biden Administration is in talks about whether to impose sanctions on India for buying the Russian S-400 Russian missile system under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Also Read: No hostage crisis in Ukraine, says MEA
The following comments by US Diplomat LU come after India drew criticism by US lawmakers, both Republicans, and Democrats, at a hearing on the "US relationship with India" for being among 35 nations that abstained Wednesday from a UN vote to rebuke Russia's invasion. During the hearing, questions were raises whether US will impose sanctions on India for buying air defense systems from Russia or not under CAATSA? On that Lu clarified that the Biden administration is still to take a call on it.
"What I can say is that is India a really important security partner of ours now and that we value moving forward that partnership," Lu said adding, "My view is that it's going to be very hard for anyone to buy major weapon systems from Moscow in the coming months and years, given sweeping financial sanctions that the administration, with the support of Congress has levelled...I would guess that."
Lu also outlined that India has recently canceled its order of Russian MiG-29 fighter aircraft, helicopters, and anti-tank weapons. It is pertinent to mention here that India has been the largest importer of Russian arms since 2016.