Alternatives To Russian Weapons "Too Expensive", India Told US: Report

India-US Talks: Recent public statements from Washington warning India about consequences for purchases of weapons and discounted oil from Russia are contrary to private discussions between the two sides.

India is optimistic about talks next week with the US on military cooperation even as the Biden administration becomes more vocal in rebuking New Delhi over its reluctance to criticize Russia's war in Ukraine, people familiar with the matter said.

Recent public statements from Washington warning India about consequences for purchases of weapons and discounted oil from Russia are contrary to private discussions between the two sides, the people said, asking for anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. They cited conversations in New Delhi last month with US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who offered help in finding alternative sources of weapons that could be used to counter neighbors Pakistan and China.

India informed Nuland that the alternatives to Russian weapons were too expensive, according to people familiar with the matter. In addition, Russian companies are more willing to set up joint ventures with Indian companies that include some technology transfer, something US defense firms are reluctant to do, they said.

Foreign and defense ministers of the US and India will meet in Washington on Monday and Tuesday for the first two-plus-two dialog since Joe Biden took office, India's Ministry of External Affairs said at its weekly briefing Thursday. Apart from defense cooperation, Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions will also be discussed at these meetings, the people said.