India’s loyalty as western partner in question amid growing ties with Russia
Islamabad: India’s growing closeness with Russia combined with its controversial domestic policies and unpredictable foreign policy decisions, has raised concerns about its reliability as a partner for the West.
According to Kashmir Media Service, analysts say India’s defense agreements with Russia have sparked doubts about its loyalties, while its domestic policies, such as the crackdown on Muslims and handling of the Kashmir conflict, have been criticized by Western allies.
Furthermore, India’s decision to bypass US sanctions and increase trade with Russia has raised eyebrows. Despite international pressure, India has devised alternative banking channels and uses non-dollar currencies to facilitate trade, allowing Russian exports to India to grow six-fold in just two years, reaching $61 billion.
Experts describe India’s actions as a “masterstroke in economic diplomacy,” but the long-term sustainability of this arrangement is uncertain. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the West may need to reassess its relationship with India and consider whether it can truly count on the country as a dependable ally.
