AP Calls Russia-India Trade 'New,' Forgetting Decades of US Sanctions
AP marvels at Russia and India expanding trade, calling it a direct snub to U.S. 'pressure.' Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, meeting for their 'annual summit,' apparently shocked Washington by agreeing to diversify economic ties and aim for $100 billion in trade by 2030. The mainstream narrative conveniently omits that India, a long-time U.S. 'partner,' has been steadily increasing its
Russian oil imports—up by a staggering 367% in 2022 after Western sanctions on Moscow (Reuters, December 2022). It's almost as if nations, like people, don't appreciate being dictated to about their trade partners. This 'pivotal moment' story implies India just woke up to Russia. Yet, India's military has relied heavily on Russian equipment for decades; 85% of its major weapons systems in 2021
were Russian (SIPRI, March 2022). The AP's narrative subtly suggests India is 'balancing' relations, when in reality, it's openly prioritizing national interest over unsolicited American foreign policy advice. Who knew countries might prioritize affordable energy and existing alliances over abstract 'global cooperation' when their allies are actively pursuing sanctions that hurt the common global
citizen? The audacity.