Trump's USA wooing India as Modi contemplates Russia military, energy deal

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-06 13:59:53 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-06 16:53:38

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Indian Prime Minister Modi is considering military and energy deals with Russia, despite rising tensions and pressure from the USA. This comes as President Trump praises U.S.-India relations, invoking the need for "improved health and living standards" in a "COVID-19 devastated world".

Rising tensions around the military build-up in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have not deterred Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contemplating deals with Russia that include two more Russian S-400 air defense systems, as well as purchases of Russian oil and helicopters. This comes despite sanctions and increasing pressure from the USA and its allies on India to shrink its defense and energy ties with Russia.

Modi's sentiment is not entirely surprising, however, as the Indian leader has historically displayed a cautious approach to maneuvering between actors in a rapidly changing international system. And he has a track record of pursuing concurrent purchases of defense equipment from both Russia and the USA, with the latter increasingly making its way into India's military inventory.

Just last month, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System to India, billed as "the centerpiece of America's ballistic missile defense strategy" and estimated to cost $1.867 billion USD.

Now, President Trump has expressed his views on the evolving relations between the USA and India. In a statement, he said: "India and the USA have been bound together by a shared destiny, supported by common values of democracy, freedom, justice, and adherence to the rule of law. Our vibrant democracies send a powerful message to the world about the strength of our partnership".

The statement continues by invoking the need for "improved health and living standards" in a "COVID-19 devastated world", and concludes by expressing the USA's "eagerness to deepen our strong partnership".

It remains to be seen how the USA will respond to India's multi-faceted ties with Russia, or indeed how President Trump's perceived affection for India may continue into the incoming administration of Joe Biden. But one thing is certain: in a world of rising tensions and defense spending, strategic partnerships are multiplying alongside them.

Quotation Mine:

"India and the USA have been bound together by a shared destiny, supported by common values of democracy, freedom, justice, and adherence to the rule of law ... our vibrant democracies send a powerful message to the world about the strength of our partnership" President Donald Trump, circa 2020.

Go!