Mounting US pressure on India

US sanctions on Indian firms signal Washington's impatience, urging India to choose a side amid rising tensions.

US sanctions on 19 Indian companies and individuals accused of funneling dual-use components to Russia, purportedly keeping Moscow's military machine going in Ukraine, sends a clear signal to New Delhi about Washington's patience – or lack thereof. It is part of a larger wave of sanctions targeting firms worldwide, but India's repeat appearances on the sanctions means a lot more is at stake.

India's history with Russia is longstanding, especially in defence and energy, yet its ties to the US and Western powers have grown considerably in recent years. This diplomatic tightrope has suited India well, allowing it to hedge its bets. But the sanctions suggest the US might want India to finally take a side – a tall order for New Delhi. What's more, these sanctions come as India and China appear to be thawing their frosty relationship. Last week, Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, and, in a rare moment of detente, troops along their contested border exchanged sweets to mark Diwali. Though it is far from a resolution, the symbolic gestures hint at an easing of tensions between Asia's two giants – an emerging development not lost on Washington. Another factor complicating India's standing is the growing suspicion over Indian activities abroad. Canada's deputy foreign minister recently implicated India's Home Minister Amit Shah in alleged "plots" against Sikh activists, following the murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar - leading to mutual diplomatic expulsions. Meanwhile, US authorities have charged an ex-Indian intelligence operative in a failed plot against a US-based Sikh activist.

The tightening US gaze may place New Delhi in an uncomfortable position, forcing it to narrow its diplomatic option. With clear unease about India's growing footprint, US sanctions are a not-so-subtle message that India can no longer sit on the sidelines of global conflicts, even with its tradition of neutrality. It must now choose a strategic side.