Congress questions India’s 'true independence' amid US sanction bill on Russia

The Congress party on Tuesday targeted the central government over a proposed US bill on Russia sanctions, asking whether India can truly call itself independent if it succumbs to external pressure on its foreign policy decisions. The remarks come at a time when the United States is considering sanctions against countries that continue to buy Russian military equipment, including the S-400 missile system.

The bill, introduced in the US Congress, seeks to expand sanctions against Russia and penalise nations engaged in significant transactions with Moscow. India, which has historically relied on Russia for a major chunk of its defence imports, faces a potential dilemma. The country has already signed a $5.4 billion deal with Russia for the S-400 air defence system, a purchase that has drawn repeated warnings from Washington.

Congress leaders argue that the government’s silence or submission in the face of such pressure reveals a lack of strategic autonomy. “The question is not about the bill itself, but about whether India’s leaders have the courage to take independent decisions in the national interest,” a senior Congress functionary said, requesting anonymity. “If we are truly sovereign, why does every foreign policy move seem to be dictated by Washington?”

However, government sources rejected the Opposition’s charges, asserting that India’s foreign policy has always been independent and based on national interest. “The government has made it clear that India will follow its own path. We have diversified our defence partnerships, but that does not mean we will abandon long-standing allies under pressure,” a Ministry of External Affairs official said, insisting that New Delhi’s ties with both Washington and Moscow are based on mutual benefit.

The exchange underscores the delicate balancing act India has performed since the Cold War era. While the US has emerged as a key strategic partner over the past two decades, Russia remains a time-tested ally in defence and energy. The Ukraine conflict has further complicated the equation, with the West imposing multiple rounds of sanctions on Moscow and pressing neutral nations to pick a side.

Analysts point out that India has consistently abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia, citing its own national interests. At the same time, it has deepened engagement with the Quad and other US-led initiatives. This dual approach is what the government terms “multi-alignment.”

The Opposition’s criticism, however, reflects growing domestic unease about India’s positioning. Some experts argue that the US bill, if passed, could force India to choose between its defence needs and its broader strategic goals. Others contend that India’s past actions, such as purchasing the S-400 despite CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) threats, demonstrate that it is not easily intimidated.

In response to the Congress’s remarks, the ruling party also hit back, reminding the Opposition of the UPA government’s own record on foreign policy. “Those who questioned India’s nuclear test and signed the Indo-US nuclear deal without necessarily safeguarding all Indian interests are now lecturing us on independence,” said a BJP spokesperson.

As the political slugfest unfolds, the core issue remains: how should a rising power chart its course in a world marked by great-power rivalry? The Congress’s question may be politically pointed, but it touches upon a debate that has long been part of India’s strategic discourse.

For now, the government has not issued an official statement on the US bill, but sources say India is in diplomatic consultations with the US side to secure a waiver or carve-out, just as it did in the past. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for India’s defence modernisation and its claims of strategic autonomy.