The United States has expressed its approval of India’s recent agreement with China concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which effectively ended the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. American Ambassador Eric Garcetti noted that the US has consistently backed India’s efforts to safeguard its strategic interests and uphold its borders.
The agreement was ratified during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Russia, marking their first official interaction in five years. Modi highlighted that stable relations between India and China would positively influence regional and global peace and prosperity.
In remarks to Times of India, Garcetti emphasized that both India and the US desire a calm global environment devoid of conflicts. He celebrated the breakthrough in the LAC negotiations, indicating that it is a significant development for the Indo-Pacific region.
Garcetti recalled how the US provided India with timely intelligence support using American equipment during the standoff. He also referred to India’s potential role in facilitating peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, particularly following Modi’s visits to both Moscow and Kyiv earlier this year. The ambassador stressed the sanctity of territorial integrity in international law, asserting its universal applicability.
“The peacemakers, including PM Modi and Minister Jaishankar, are warmly welcomed. The focus on the global ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war is essential. The impact of this conflict resonates worldwide, affecting countless lives,” Garcetti stated.
While acknowledging India’s potential as a mediator in the Ukraine crisis, he noted the complexities involved in such a role, which often requires political maneuvering. Garcetti remarked, “If India can help emphasize the importance of peace and non-aggression to Russia, that would be a valuable engagement. India sometimes opens doors that we cannot, and vice versa; that is what makes our relationship unique.”
Previously, Garcetti had stated that strategic autonomy is a complex issue during conflicts, a comment that garnered attention during Modi’s visit to Russia, which sparked criticism in the US and Europe for its timing.
