Washington sends anti-Russian sanctions "architect" to India
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The Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh will go to India to discuss the Indian response to the Ukraine war.
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Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh (AFP)
According to the White House, a US national security official will travel to India to discuss New Delhi's reaction to Russia's operation in Ukraine, and the two countries' economic relations would be reviewed as Washington presses allies to take harder action against Moscow.
Daleep Singh, the deputy national security advisor for international economics, is scheduled to visit New Delhi this week to“advance a range of issues in the US-India economic relationship and strategic partnership,” according to National Security Council spokesman Emily Horne.
Horne added that Singh would "consult closely with counterparts on the consequences of Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine and mitigating its impact on the global economy."
Read more: India, Russia discuss Rupee-Ruble exchange amid sanctions
The media has dubbed Singh a "czar" and "architect" of the anti-Russia sanctions and the meeting follows the US and allies attempting to exert pressure on India to join the sanctions campaign against Russia.
So far, it has refused to comply, refusing to vote at the United Nations to condemn the operation and even agreeing to purchase Russian oil at a discount earlier this month. Though Indian authorities have called for a stop to the war in Ukraine and appealed for a peaceful conclusion, the government has not backed down from calls for tougher sanctions against Russia.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will go to India on Thursday to address "bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest” with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. She has previously advocated for a "closer economic and defense relationship" with India, claiming that it is "some level of dependence on Russia."
Read more: UK FM: Russia sanctions should end only after withdrawal
According to the Hindustan Times, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is also scheduled to meet with the Indian FM later this month.
Biden has expressed that India's response has been "somewhat shaky," in response to Russia, while the UK trade Secretary said London is "very disappointed" with India's unwillingness to join the sanctions campaign.
