US defense secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that he expected India to reduce his dependence on Russian military equipment, advanced. “We continue to work with them (India) to ensure that they understand that it is not for them – we believe that – not in their best interests to continue to invest in Russian equipment,” said Austin to members of the house armed service committee during the hearing of congresses on the budget Annual defense.
“And our requirements in the future is that they lower the type of equipment they invest and look for more investment in things that will keep us compatible,” said Austin.
Comments come when Defense Secretary responded to questions to Congressman Joe Wilson, who criticized India in Russia in the middle of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “Gruelomely, Ally is our valuable Indian, the world’s largest democracy, chooses to harmonize itself with the Kremlin by choosing a Russian weapons system for the American choice and allies,” Wilson said.
“What weapons platforms can we offer through foreign military sales programs that will provide incentives to Rush leaders – India to reject Putin and harmonize with the allies of natural democracy?” He asked.
“I am looking forward to working with great people in India. And their great allies can if we eliminate some sales restrictions,” Wilson said.
US concern for Indian dependence on Russian military equipment came and New Delhi had explained that it would continue to buy cheap Russian oil. The White Press Secretary of Jen PSAKI Building on Monday said the United States believed that it was not an Indian interest in increasing the import of Russian energy and other commodities.
The Indian military uses several Russian-made weapons, including tanks, artillery weapons and missile systems. New Delhi has also signed a contract to buy the Russian S-400 Air Defense System, which has been under the threat of US sanctions under American enemy Counter through Sanctions Act (Caatsa).