Washington, Dec 8 (NationPress) India's recent engagement with Russia, particularly during the summit between PM Modi and President Putin, is not driven by any anti-Western feelings but is instead a strategically calculated response to the growing assertiveness of China, as stated by a prominent technology entrepreneur and geopolitical analyst.

Karl Mehta, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, expressed in a post on X that the prevailing narrative around Putin's visit to India overlooks the bigger picture, criticizing Western analysts for quickly labeling the Modi-Putin relationship as India merely exercising its 'strategic autonomy' or seeking discounted energy and arms. He argued that this interpretation is fundamentally misguided.

According to Mehta, India's strategy is a deliberate necessity prompted by one critical, existential threat: China. He pointed out that Beijing is actively encroaching upon India's borders. In this context, he believes that Russia is the only nation capable of influencing China's actions due to their 'no limits' partnership. He cautioned that if India were to distance itself from Moscow, it would effectively push Russia closer to Beijing, which would further encircle India.

Mehta also highlighted the limitations of US security assurances. While acknowledging the United States as a key strategic ally, he remarked, history has shown New Delhi that Washington does not intervene in territorial disputes in the Himalayas. He referenced recent incidents, asserting that during crises like the Galwan clashes, Western support has often been merely rhetorical. Thus, he contended that the US security umbrella does not cover the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

He emphasized, “Maintaining close ties with Moscow is India's only leverage to prevent a complete Russia-China alliance,” asserting that “India is not favoring Russia over the US, but rather sustaining a channel with the only country that can help mitigate Chinese aggression when Western support is lacking or absent.”

In recent years, India has navigated its growing cooperation with the United States in the Indo-Pacific while preserving its longstanding defense and strategic ties with Russia. Moscow continues to be a significant arms supplier for India, even as New Delhi enhances joint production and technology collaborations with Washington.