New Delhi
India values its strategic autonomy and maintains its own perspectives, even as the US Ambassador is free to express his views, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in response to remarks by envoy Eric Garcetti. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that the broad global partnership between India and the US allows for differing opinions while respecting each other’s positions.
Jaiswal clarified in a press briefing that while India values its strategic autonomy, the US Ambassador’s opinion is acknowledged. The partnership between the two nations provides room for disagreement on certain matters, as long as mutual respect is maintained.
This response comes after Garcetti suggested that strategic autonomy becomes irrelevant during conflicts. His comments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. At a recent event, Garcetti remarked that in times of crisis, nations must trust each other regardless of their strategic titles.
The MEA also emphasized that the India-US relationship is a comprehensive, strategic, global partnership, involving discussions on various issues of mutual interest. Jaiswal noted that diplomatic conversations are typically not detailed publicly.
During his Moscow visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Vladimir Putin discussed goals to remove trade barriers and target a trade volume of over USD 100 billion by 2030.
