India Upholds Strategic Autonomy Amid US Criticism, Affirms MEA

India refutes U.S. envoy Eric Garcetti's criticism on strategic autonomy, emphasizing its global partnership with the U.S. Minister Jaiswal reiterates India's commitment to its autonomy amid evolving geopolitical landscapes, praising the robust India-US relationship that allows respectful discourse on contentious issues.

India values its strategic autonomy and maintains distinct perspectives, despite recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations, which provides the flexibility to 'agree to disagree' while respecting each other's viewpoints.

Jaiswal reaffirmed this stance during a weekly press briefing, following Garcetti's comments suggesting the nonexistence of 'strategic autonomy' amidst conflicts. This discourse arose soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia. Garcetti had mentioned that in times of crisis, countries should rely on trusted friendships rather than strategic independent stances.

Further elaborating on India-US relations, Jaiswal described the association as a 'comprehensive, strategic, global partnership,' highlighting multifaceted engagements and discussions between the two countries. He noted that detailed diplomatic dialogues remain confidential. During Modi's Moscow visit, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin set ambitious trade goals and discussed financial collaborations, including a potential EAEU-India Free Trade Area.

(With inputs from agencies.)