US wants India to 'downscale' Russian military equipment: 'Purchase not in best interest'

As Russian war against Ukraine continues, United States on Tuesday urged India to "downscale" purchase of military equipment from Moscow. dressing House Armed Services Committee, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin flagged that Washington did not believe that engagement in such deals are in New Delhi's best interest. Austin's remarks came after India refused to join international community to slap sanctions on Russia despite its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

"We continue to work with m (India)..to ensure that y understand that it is not in ir...we believe that-- it is not in ir best interest to continue to invest in Russian (military) equipment," Pentagon chief Llyod Austin said during hearing in annual defence budget.

Austin stressed that US expected India to reduce s of equipment purchased from Russia and look into investing in "s of things that will make us continue to be compatible." He also suggested that US has a "range of capabilities" that Washington can provide or offer (to India).

It is to mention that Austin was responding to questions by Congressman Joe Wilson, a supporter of India but recently has remained disappointed after India abstained from voting against a resolution that slammed Russia for its occupation of Ukrainian territory. "Gruesomely, our treasured ally India, world's largest democracy, is choosing to align itself with Kremlin by choosing Russian weapons systems over American and allied options," Wilson said, as quoted by PTI.

US believes India could refrain from Russian energy imports

Notably, India possesses several Russian-me military s of equipment, including tanks, artillery guns, and missile defence systems. New Delhi is also in an engagement to purchase Russian S-400 air defence systems. deal has led to a looming threat of US sanctions under Countering America's versaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Apart from this, India has also shown interest to purchase Russian oil and or commodities at a discounted rate to meet country's growing energy needs at a better deal.

Referring to said prospect, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki on Monday said that Washington believed that energy imports from Russia at this point are not ideal for New Delhi. "Energy payments are not sanctioned. That's a decision me by each individual country, and we have been very clear that each country is going to make ir own choices as we have me decision and or countries have me decision to ban energy imports," Psaki said, ding that every country must here to sanctions imposed on Russia.

(Image: AP/PTI)