| Translate This News In |
|---|
While the military relationship between the United States and India is at its best in years, mistrust between the two countries is at an all-time high, according to a top US admiral, who claims that Beijing’s lack of accountability and duplicitous behaviour in the Indian Ocean region threaten the region’s stability and security. During a months-long standoff with China, Admiral John C. Aquilino commended India’s efforts to protect its northern frontier.
“There has never been a more strained relationship between China and India. India is wary of Chinese activities under the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, in addition to the rift in bilateral relations caused by the LAC spat.” During his confirmation hearing for Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command on Tuesday, Mr. Aquilino told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“India is concerned about China’s actions in Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The PRC’s lack of accountability and duplicitous activities in the Indian Ocean region, as well as elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific, pose a threat to regional stability and defense.” Prior to his confirmation hearing, he said in a written response to senators’ concerns.
Mr. Aquilino praised India’s efforts to secure its northern border in response to a query from Senator Deb Fischer about China’s conduct along its borders and the future of India-US military cooperation. In order to create deterrence, he also stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration with allies and partners.
Mr. Aquilino said that the US-India military relationship is at its best in years and that the US continues to see a rise in bilateral and multilateral engagements and exercises, high-profile joint operations, and senior-level engagements.
If confirmed, the top US admiral said his top priorities will be to keep the momentum started by his predecessor and establish information sharing and security agreements, support India’s defence transformation efforts through exchanges and exercises, continue to encourage India’s procurement of US equipment to facilitate interoperability, and increase military-to-military contacts through exchanges and exercises.
