Thread by @Neoavatara

This is American arrogance at its worst.

I am on record saying @narendramodi should be far more vocal and forceful in opposing Putin's behavior. He has called on Putin to stop the war, and has said the war was on the wrong side of history.

But...they just can't go all the way.

https://twitter.com/NavroopSingh_/status/1499587422778437634

India has a 70 year history of non-alignment...a philosophy that says they don't take sides in the long running Cold War.

Now, the Cold War is over. But India can't break out of that mentality.

But there are other key issues.

India for decades only bought Russian military goods, because the US wouldn't sell to them. In the past two decades that has changed; in fact, India is one of the largest purchaser of American military goods.

But legacy costs remain.

indiatoday.in/diu/story/how-…

India has tried to become self reliant, but that is a long, long road. They still don't have the tech for items like Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system or the Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine.

orfonline.org/expert-speak/t…

Lets note that US law PROHIBITS the Indians from buying submarines...which basically means Russia is the only option.

indiatoday.in/india-today-in…

All of this comes with the reality that China has invaded India several times. Their military expansion drives much of India's military and foreign policy choices.

Until the US decides to help India in that regard, there is no reason India is going to sell out the Russians.