Wed Nov 20 17:56:00 UTC 2024: ## India Voices Concerns Over Escalation of Ukraine Conflict
**NEW DELHI** – Indian defense experts have expressed serious alarm over the potential escalation of the Ukraine conflict, warning that the West’s disregard for Russia’s warnings could have devastating global consequences. The provision of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine by the US, they argue, significantly raises the stakes.
Retired Air Marshal M. Matheswaran and Retired Major General Shashibhushan Asthana, speaking to Sputnik India, highlighted the inherent dangers in the US and Ukraine’s decision. They emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to launch long-range missile strikes relies heavily on satellite data and technological support from Western nations, effectively deepening NATO’s involvement in the war. This, they warned, risks provoking a strong Russian response, potentially involving the use of its vast arsenal of weapons, including nuclear arms.
The experts criticized the West for two key oversights: disregarding repeated Russian warnings against the use of guided long-range weapons and failing to adequately assess the potential for widespread damage resulting from an escalation. They stressed that Russia possesses both the weaponry and the capacity to retaliate forcefully, potentially leading to a catastrophic outcome. The experts further cautioned that the current US strategy could have severe long-term repercussions, potentially undermining future peace efforts. The fear is that the conflict could spiral out of control, leading to a global crisis. The potential for a devastating global fallout from the current trajectory of the war is a central concern for India.
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