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India Doesn't Follow US, Says Ex-UN Envoy, Citing Ukraine & Iran

Former Indian UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejects the narrative that India follows the United States in foreign policy, calling it unfair and not reflective of reality. He provides concrete examples, including India's abstention on Ukraine votes despite US pressure and its independent negotiations with Iran. Akbaruddin also points to India's refusal to join certain US-led international initiatives as proof of its autonomous stance. The remarks come amid frequent criticism from the Indian opposition alleging the government operates under US influence.

Key Points: Ex-Envoy: "Unfair" to Say India Follows US Foreign Policy

  • Refutes claim India blindly follows US
  • Cites abstention on Ukraine votes
  • Notes independent Iran negotiations
  • Highlights non-participation in US-led boards
2 min read

Unfair to say India follows US: Syed Akbaruddin

Former UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin refutes claims India follows the US, citing examples on Ukraine, Iran, and international boards.

"I don't think there is anybody in the world who believes that India follows the US. - Syed Akbaruddin"

New Delhi, April 3

India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Friday noted that claims that India follows the United States are "unfair" and "not reflective of reality".

In an interaction with young Indian podcaster and entrepreneur, Raj Shamani, on his YouTube channel, Akbaruddin said: "No, I think it's unfair to say that we follow (the US). Look at the Board of Peace. (US President Donald) Trump has put up a Board of Peace; Pakistan has put up a Board of Peace. We have not joined it. Because we know this is not a real international institution. The US doesn't like us negotiating with Iran at all to get our ships. It has not stopped us from going and negotiating. And we have openly said we are doing it one by one. If it works, we will try again."

"The US doesn't want that. It wants countries to send ships there -- minesweepers, etc.-- and it doesn't even mention our name because they know that we are not a country which takes sides like that. I can give you another whole list of things where we are not aligned. So, on the war in Ukraine, did we support the US? No. The US repeatedly told us not to abstain, but we did abstain. So, I don't think there is anybody in the world who believes that India follows the US. Even the US doesn't think that. Maybe some people here who want to prove a point will say that, but in reality, it's not," the former IFS officer said.

The Opposition in India has often been seen criticising the government and alleging that it functions under the pressure of US President Trump. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also made similar remarks on several occasions, suggesting that "India's PM is compromised."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
It's good to hear this perspective. The opposition's constant "US puppet" narrative is getting old. Our national interests are complex and we engage with all powers based on our own needs. The examples Akbaruddin gave are very clear.
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Rahul R
Respectfully, while I agree India doesn't blindly follow anyone, we cannot ignore the increasing defence purchases and strategic alignment with the US Quad. Our relationship is deeper now. It's a partnership, not following, but the influence is undeniable.
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Sarah B
As an observer from outside, India's independent foreign policy has always been impressive. The abstention on Ukraine votes at the UN showed real diplomatic courage. The world is multipolar, and India is proving to be a key pole.
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Aman W
Exactly! We buy oil from Russia despite US pressure, we deal with Iran for our energy security. This "following US" talk is just political mudslinging by parties who have nothing else to say. Our foreign service officers know the ground reality.
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Nisha Z
The criticism often comes from comparing us to allies like UK or Australia. But we are not an ally, we are a partner. There's a big difference. We cooperate where interests align and go our own way when they don't. That's smart diplomacy.

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