The U.S. Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, said that the U.S. has cooperated with India to counter aggressive Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control. He noted that it was for the Indian government to give details of the nature of military cooperation extended by the U.S. during the ongoing stand-off between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army.
Addressing his farewell speech, Kenneth Juster quoted Swami Vivekananda’s lines and said: “When Swami Vivekananda arrived at the World’s Parliament of Religions at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, he exclaimed: Sisters and Brothers of America – It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us.” He also mentioned that he felt the same way while living and working in India.
Earlier, it was reported that the U.S. had assisted India with geospatial data, satellite maps, and emergency procurement of extreme weather clothing. However, India has maintained that it is resolving the situation with China bilaterally and diplomatically.
Bilateral defence and strategic cooperation had been focused on the Indo-Pacific region during the Trump administration. The U.S. military renamed its Pacific command Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and the Ministry of External Affairs established a new Indo-Pacific Division. “The Indo-Pacific is particularly significant for the US-India relationship because it recognizes the reality that India and the Indian Ocean are inextricably tied to East Asia and the Pacific… For the US-India relationship, the Indo-Pacific means that, at a time of great change and challenge, we see India as a critical partner in preserving and expanding the peace and prosperity that have underpinned this dynamic region” – he said while he was asked about the Indo-Pacific and defence, strategic partnership between the two counties.
Kenner also affirmed that the United States and India are committed to strengthening their defence and security cooperation – as in Sardar Patel’s words, cultivating the strength to challenge oppression. “In the past four years, we have purposefully deepened this cooperation to keep our nations safe from a growing array of threats and to provide security beyond our own borders,” he added.
