India on Friday (July 19) reacted to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s remarks that appeared to be critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. Last week, Garcetti said that “strategic autonomy” cannot apply in times of conflict and India and the US must work towards upholding principles when there is a breach of rules-based order or violation of sovereign borders.
Though Garcetti did not make any reference to Modi’s visit to Moscow, the remarks were largely seen as Washington’s criticism of the trip.
'India values its strategic autonomy'
Reacting to the US envoy's remarks, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday, "India, like many other countries, values its ‘strategic autonomy’. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. Obviously, we have different views."
“Our comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US gives us the space to agree to disagree on certain issues while respecting each other’s viewpoints,” Jaiswal said.
He added that as comprehensive global strategic partners, India and the US have regular discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
"It is not our practice to share details of diplomatic conversations,” the foreign ministry spokesperson further said.
Sullivan talks to Doval
A day after Garcetti's remarks, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.
Sullivan and Doval "discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and international concern" during their phone conversation, India's foreign ministry said in a statement.
The talks came days after Modi concluded his Russia visit. The statement did not mention if they discussed the Indian prime minister's visit.
Earlier, the US State Department had said that it had shared its concerns with New Delhi about India's relationship with Moscow.