WASHINGTON, January 17 (Sputnik) — The economic cooperation between Russia and India is part of the challenge in Washington’s bilateral partnership with Delhi, US Senator Mark Warner told Sputnik on Friday.
“Clearly there are longer term economic relationships between Russia and India, and that’s just part of the challenge going forward,” Co-chair of the Senate India Caucus Warner said.
The senator stressed that the United States will be able to compete in India.
“India is being wooed by a number of nations. This is a billion plus people with a growing market, seven percent a year not double digits like it was,” he explained. “But I think as long as there is a level playing field, America will be able to compete.”
US President Barack Obama will attend the Republic Day celebration in India on January 26 as the chief guest. During his visit, Obama will meet with the Indian Prime Minister and officials to strengthen and expand the US-India strategic partnership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin went to Delhi in December last year where he signed several trade, energy and defense contracts and a 10-year contract to deliver 10 million tons of oil annually to India.
Besides, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Republic of Crimea and Indian business group Indian-Crimean Partnership aiming to facilitate India’s deepening economic cooperation with the peninsula.
Crimea reunified with Russia in March following a referendum on the region’s status, with 96 percent of voters being in favour of the move. In November, Putin signed a law on the creation of a free economic zone in Crimea.
Ukraine and the West have to date refused to recognize the Crimean referendum.
