Overview
In an interview with The Atlantic, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington hoped India would engage “directly” with Russia to convey “absolute opposition to any use of nuclear weapons.” He also said that he spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, along with those from countries like China and India, who have “more influence” on Moscow.
In this regard, he said he was confident that the message was delivered to Russia and “had some effect.”
Nevertheless, he added that there continues to be concern about Russia’s use of nuclear weapons, even though the escalation has not happened to date. He raised alarm about the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin acting “irrationally” and using “tactical nuclear weapons.”
Blinken also addressed India’s relations with Russia, saying that such partnerships are “challenging to break off in one fell swoop.” “It’s not flipping a light switch; it’s moving an aircraft carrier.”
He noted that New Delhi relied heavily on securing military equipment and other defence support from Russia. Nevertheless, he celebrated India’s “trajectory away” from Russia and its decision to expand partnerships with Western nations, like France and the US.
Blinken’s Asia Tour
Blinken is preparing for a tour to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India, beginning on 28 February.
He will participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. According to an official release by the US Department of State, he will emphasise the importance of cooperation in food and energy security, global health, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He will also meet with Indian officials and civil society groups to discuss the strengthening of partnerships.
US Secretary of State Blinken credits India's direct engagement in conveying opposition to "nuclear weapon use" to Russia; Says,'I think that had some effect'
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 24, 2023
Source: The Atlantic pic.twitter.com/ka65PkCAkp
Reports suggest India has been resisting terming Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “war” during discussions for a G20 joint communique on Wednesday. Instead, New Delhi suggests using terms such as “crisis” or “challenge.”
Russia, too, has called for the Ukraine war to be referred to as a “special military operation.” Similarly, China has referred to it as a “crisis” instead of a war.
In addition, officials quoted by Reuters said that India does not wish to discuss sanctions on Russia during the G20 discussions. The source said, “The existing sanctions on Russia have had a negative impact on the world.”
Nevertheless, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen provided reassurances that the US “will be very firm” on its position on Russia in the meeting, irrespective of the meeting’s description in the communique.