Akbaruddin Rejects Claims India Follows U.S. Policy Line
NEW DELHI — Former Indian ambassador to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has pushed back against claims that India follows the United States in its foreign policy decisions, calling such assertions “unfair” and not reflective of reality.
Speaking in an interview with podcaster and entrepreneur Raj Shamani, Akbaruddin cited several examples to argue that India maintains an independent stance on global issues.
“No, I think it’s unfair to say that we follow (the U.S.),” he said. “Look at the Board of Peace. (U.S. 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 U.S. 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.”
He added that Washington has encouraged countries to deploy naval assets in certain regions but noted that India has chosen not to align with such efforts.
“The U.S. 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,” Akbaruddin said.
He also pointed to India’s position on the war in Ukraine as evidence of its independent approach.
“So, on the war in Ukraine, did we support the U.S.? No. The U.S. 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 U.S. Even the U.S. doesn’t think that,” he said. “Maybe some people here who want to prove a point will say that, but in reality, it’s not.”
Akbaruddin’s remarks come amid ongoing criticism from opposition leaders in India, including Rahul Gandhi, who have alleged that the government operates under pressure from Washington. (Source: IANS)
