New Delhi can take own decisions: US on India-Russia drill

WASHINGTON: The United States has dismissed questions about India’s participation in the recent multinational military exercises hosted by Russia and attended by countries like China, saying that India is a sovereign nation and it can make its own decisions.

“Certainly, we have appreciated our partnership with India in the region. They’re an important partner, as you know. And we’ll continue to work closely with them,” Pentagon SpokesmanBrig Gen Patrick Rydertold reporters while responding to a question on India participating in Vostok military exercises with Russia and China.

‘India’s a sovereign nation, they can make their own decisions in terms of who they’re going to conduct exercises with,” Ryder told reporters.

The Vostok military exercises was held from September 1 to 7 at different locations in Russia’s Far East amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We have a very close partnership and relationship - defence relationship with India. We obviously will continue to work with India and further develop that relationship,” Ryder said.