Former Pentagon Official: How Trump's Decisions Are Pushing India Closer to Russia

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has attributed the growing closer relations between India and Russia to US President Donald Trump's "gross incompetence." Rubin noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed to "uninterrupted shipments" of fuel to New Delhi.

According to Rubin, US citizens are "flabbergasted" by Trump's actions that have reversed the positive trajectory of Washington-New Delhi relations. He questioned whether this reversal was influenced by "Pakistan's flattery or bribery."

"A lot of us are still flabbergasted at how Donald Trump has reversed US-India ties. Many people question what motivates Donald Trump. Perhaps it was the flattery of the Pakistanis. More likely, it was bribery on the part of the Pakistanis or their backers in Turkey and Qatar towards Donald Trump...This is one disastrous bribe that is going to saddle America with a strategic deficit for decades to come," Rubin stated.

The former Pentagon official accused the US of "hypocrisy" for "lecturing" India about purchasing Russian oil while Washington itself continues trade with Moscow. He defended New Delhi's position to prioritize its national needs.

In his interview with ANI, Rubin explained, "What Americans don't understand is that Indians elected Prime Minister Modi to represent Indian interests. India is the most populous country. It's soon going to become the world's third-largest economy, and for that, it needs energy. The US is being hypocritical because we purchase from Russia. We purchase goods and materials for which we don't have alternative markets. We are being hypocritical when we lecture India."

Rather than lecturing, Rubin suggested that the US should offer fuel to India at more competitive prices. "If we don't have an answer for that, our best approach is simply to shut up because India needs to take care of Indian security first," he added.

In August, Trump imposed punitive 50 percent tariffs on most Indian products, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil as justification.

Putin visited India on December 4 to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the Russian leader in New Delhi for discussions centered on energy, defense, and trade, expressed gratitude for Putin's "unwavering commitment towards India."

"Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India's energy," Putin told PM Modi following their talks.

"We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy," he further stated, according to an official translator.

President Putin concluded his visit to Delhi on Friday night. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar accompanied the Russian leader to the airport to see him off.