NewKerala.com

Key Points

USISPF President Mukesh Aghi believes India-China relations will never achieve the same strategic depth as India-US partnerships. He attributes this to China's persistent unwillingness to treat India as an equal partner on the global stage. Meanwhile, Aghi fully endorsed Prime Minister Modi's recent meeting with President Putin as appropriate for India's national interests. The bilateral talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation and addressing regional conflicts through peaceful means.

Key Points: USISPF Chief Mukesh Aghi Says India-China Ties Won't Match US Level

  • Aghi cites China's refusal to treat India as equal partner
  • Supports Modi-Putin meeting as appropriate for Indian interests
  • India-Russia trade reached record $68.7 billion in FY25
  • Modi emphasized peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict during talks
2 min read

Don't see India-China relations going to same level as India-US relations in long term: USISPF chief Mukesh Aghi

USISPF President Mukesh Aghi explains why India-China relations will never reach the strategic level of India-US partnership, citing China's unwillingness to treat India as equal.

"China will always treat India as not an equal partner...I don't see India and China relations going to the same level as India-US relations in the long term - Mukesh Aghi"

New Delhi, September 2

Speaking on the trajectory of India's international relations, Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, offered his perspective on India-China and India-Russia ties in an exclusive conversation with ANI.

Aghi remarked on India-China relations, stating, "China will always treat India as not an equal partner...I don't see India and China relations going to the same level as India-US relations in the long term..."

On India-Russia relations, Aghi emphasised the appropriateness of the recent bilateral engagement, saying, "India has to do what is good for it. PM Modi's meeting with Putin was an appropriate meeting from every aspect..."

This perspective came in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

The meeting focused on strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, including the latest developments concerning Ukraine.

During the talks, PM Modi and Putin also discussed economic, financial, and energy sector cooperation, aiming to further strengthen bilateral trade, which reached a record high of $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25.

They additionally touched on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, with PM Modi emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution.

The Prime Minister reiterated India's support for recent initiatives aimed at addressing the conflict and stressed the importance of expediting a cessation of hostilities to achieve a durable peace settlement.

According to the MEA statement, the two leaders reaffirmed their support for further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with PM Modi conveying that he looked forward to receiving President Putin in India for the 23rd Annual Summit later this year.

The SCO Summit, which took place on August 31 and September 1, saw several world leaders in attendance.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree about China, we shouldn't completely abandon our relationship with Russia. They've been reliable partners for decades, especially in defense. Strategic autonomy is key for India's foreign policy.
A
Aditya G
$68.7 billion trade with Russia shows how important this relationship is. We need to balance between West and traditional partners. Modi ji handled the Putin meeting perfectly - India first approach! 👏
S
Sarah B
As someone working in international trade, I appreciate India's nuanced approach. We can't put all eggs in one basket. Maintaining relationships with multiple powers serves our national interest best.
N
Nikhil C
China's arrogance is their loss. India is rising fast and we have better options now. The US partnership brings technology, investment and strategic depth that China never offered.
M
Meera T
While I support strengthening US ties, we must be cautious about becoming too dependent on any single country. Our foreign policy should remain independent and pragmatic. The Russia relationship still has value despite Western pressure.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50