Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India immensely dependent on Russia for defence, fertiliser: US diplomat

India immensely dependent on Russia for defence, fertiliser: US diplomat

INDIA'S dependence on Russia for major defence equipment and other items like fertiliser is immense, a top American diplomat said.

US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman, during her testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, dwelt on India's position on Russia and its repeated abstention from the United Nations on the issue of Ukraine.

“I would have preferred them to have voted yes on the resolution at the UN. And we have said as much to them quite directly. Secretary (of state Antony) Blinken talks to external affairs (Minister S) Jaishankar on quite a regular basis,” Sherman said in response to a question from Congressman Gregory Meeks, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“We have been very direct about our concerns, but India has a history of a relationship with Russia. Most of its defence equipment, originally, was from Russia. They rely on Russia for fertiliser, which is critical to their agricultural development,” she said.

“That's not to say we're happy with the choice they've made. We have pointed out to them that, given the sanctions, they're not going to be able to get Russian equipment. They're not going to get to be able to repair their equipment or their weapons,” she said.

Sherman told the lawmakers that the US has built a strong defence relationship with India, which is important to the American defence community and its defence sales.

“They are a strategic partner for us and (it’s) quite critical that we continue to develop this relationship. And they are a critical member of the Quad,” she said.

Meeks said a key component of the Indo-Pacific strategy in South Asia hinges on developing a more purposeful relationship with India.

India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region.

“There are clearly obstacles to overcome and questions on both sides that must be adequately addressed for the promise of this partnership to be fulfilled. But the potential of a consequential US-India relationship, to me, is worth the effort, although, I have concerns when I look at what took place and the abstention that India made in the UN. So, the strategy says India is an engine for regional growth and development,” he said.

Sherman said, “a strong relationship with India is critical to our goals and objectives in the Indo-Pacific for our own prosperity, security, and to address all of the challenges in front of us, including global health and the climate crisis. India, by 2030, is going to be the largest everything.”

“By then India would be the largest democracy in the world, the largest middle class, the largest wealthy class, the largest poor, the most elderly, the youngest people, the largest everything.”

“They are a democracy, not perfect, but neither are we, quite frankly. Our relationship is complex. I think it's been quite important, as many of you have mentioned, that India now engages with us, Australia, and Japan, in the Quad to try to move forward a set of objectives, particularly around things like global health, and climate, and ensuring prosperity for the region, and economic prosperity,” she said.

“These things are quite important and we have an important defence relationship with India. India has been in a tough place,” she said, adding that she talks with her counterpart, foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is about to be replaced by Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

More For You

Air India flight crash
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Getty Images

Air India crash probe finds fuel to engines was cut off before impact

Highlights

 
     
  • Fuel to both engines of the Air India flight was cut off seconds before the crash
  •  
  • A pilot was heard questioning the other over the cut-off; both denied initiating it.
  •  
  • The Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
  •  
  • Investigators are focusing on fuel switch movement; full analysis may take months.

FUEL control switches to both engines of the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position seconds before the crash, according to a preliminary investigation report released early Saturday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have consistently reported Chinese research vessel presence. (Representational image: Getty Images)

Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

A Chinese research vessel was detected operating in the Bay of Bengal near Indian waters while attempting to conceal its presence by disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS), according to a report by The Economic Times, citing French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs.

The French company conducted a 16-day satellite-based survey tracking ships through radio frequency emissions. It monitored 1,897 vessels, with 9.6 per cent showing no AIS activity, indicating attempts to avoid detection. The survey raised concerns amid increased Chinese activity in the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian-inspired garden earns
five awards at Hampton Court

(From left) Malcolm Anderson (RHS, head of sustainability) Clare Matterson (RHS director general), Lorraine Bishton (Subaru UK and Ireland, managing director) Andrew Ball (director, Big Fish Landscapes) Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews with the medals

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court

BRITISH Asians are being encouraged to take up gardening by a couple who have won a record five medals at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

“It’s a contemporary reimagining of a traditional walled garden, highlighting the British and Irish rainforests,” said Jewlsy Mathews, who was born in Britain of parents from Kerala, a southern Indian state known for its lush vegetation.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less