'Could be Pakistan's bribery': Ex-Pentagon official on souring US-India ties
What's the story
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has blamed United States President Donald Trump's "gross incompetence" for the deteriorating relations between the US and India. He said this has pushed New Delhi closer to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India last week for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, after which the countries signed a slew of agreements covering migration, healthcare, maritime cooperation, and education. Putin also promised India "uninterrupted shipments" of fuel, which can be inferred to have drawn Western criticism.
Motives questioned
Rubin questions motives behind US-India relationship shift
Rubin said many Americans are "flabbergasted" by Trump's actions that have changed the dynamics between Washington and New Delhi. He speculated whether this was due to "Pakistan's flattery or bribery." "A lot of us are still flabbergasted at how Donald Trump has reversed US-India ties," he said, adding that it could be due to bribery from Pakistan or its supporters in Turkey and Qatar toward Trump.
Hypocrisy alleged
US criticized for lecturing India on Russian oil purchases
Rubin also accused the US of being "hypocritical" in lecturing India over its purchases of Russian oil while continuing trade with Moscow. He defended India's right to prioritize its own interests, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected to represent them. "India is...soon going to become the world's third-largest economy, and for that, it needs energy. The US is being hypocritical because we purchase from Russia...We purchase goods and materials for which we don't have alternative markets," he told ANI.
Fuel proposal
Rubin suggests US should offer cheaper fuel to India
Rubin suggested that instead of criticizing India, the US should offer cheaper fuel. He said if Washington doesn't have an answer for that, it should "simply shut up." This comes after tensions between the two countries escalated when Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products in August over India's continued imports of Russian oil.
Summit highlights
Putin's visit to India strengthens ties
Putin visited India on December 4 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, focusing on energy, defense, and trade talks. PM Modi thanked Putin for his "unwavering commitment toward India." After their talks, Putin called Russia a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and other resources needed for India's energy development. "We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy," he added.