According to the Pentagon, the US has been repeatedly
advising India against relying on Russia for its defense needs.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, in a press conference in
Washington on Friday said, “We’ve been very clear with India as well as
other nations that we don’t want to see them rely on Russia for defense needs.
We’ve been nothing but honest about that and discouraging that.”

“At the same time, we also value the defense
partnership that we have with India. And as was evidenced a week ago, we’re
looking at ways to improve that going forward. That’s going to continue because
it matters and it’s important.” He added.

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Despite being warned of inviting US sanctions, by the then
Trump administration, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia in
2018, to buy five units of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems to strengthen
its air defence.

The United States’ stance to forging deals with Russia has
become even more uncompromising since it invaded Ukraine in February this year.
Numerous sanctions have been imposed on Russia in an attempt to isolate the
country for its ongoing onslaught on Ukraine and to deter future aggression.

Also read: EU Commission, IEA encourage work from home to lower Russian oil dependence

On Thursday, US State Department Counsellor Derek conveyed
the Biden administration’s eagerness in partnering with India as it diversifies
its defense capabilities and suppliers.

Also read: US wants India to be a permanent member of ‘reformed UNSC’, NSG

India’s military dependence on Russia has gained paramount
importance in the wake of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. In fact, New Delhi is
also buying oil from Russia at discounted rates despite rising prices, owing to
the war. The US has stated that it has no objection to India purchasing Russian
oil.

Also read: ‘A friend cannot be weakened’: Nirmala Sitharaman addresses India-US ties

The Pentagon’s remarks come against the backdrop of those in
the Biden administration already expressing a desire for India to abandon its
historic non-alignment and move away from Moscow, for a more fruitful
relationship with Washington. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman
brought up the issue ahead of the 2+2 talks which took place, but New Delhi,
for now, has decided to continue on its current path of foreign policy in
dealing with the US and Russia.