MEA on Garcetti remark: India values its ‘strategic autonomy’

Though he did not make any reference to PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, the remarks were largely seen as Washington’s criticism of the visit.

“India, like many other countries, values its ‘strategic autonomy’. The US Ambassador is entitled to his opinion. Obviously, we have different views,” the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “Our comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US gives us the space to agree to disagree on certain issues, while respecting each other’s view-points.”

“As comprehensive global strategic partners, India and the US have regular discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. It is not our practice to share details of diplomatic conversations,” he said when asked about critical remarks by certain US officials on Modi’s trip to Moscow.

Asked about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Jaiswal referred to Modi’s remarks on it.

“We have seen reports of the attack on former US President Donald Trump. Within hours of the news, our Prime Minister expressed deep concerns on the attack and strongly condemned the incident,” he said.

“He had also pointed out that violence has no place in politics and democracies. He wished the former president a speedy recovery and expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people.”

“The US is a fellow democracy and we wish them well,” Jaiswal said.