The United States is concerned about India’s plans to participate in joint military exercises with Russia, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday, Reuters reports, Agerpres reports.

Last month, Moscow announced its intention to organize the “Vostok-2002” (East) exercise in early September, despite the fact that it is waging a costly war in Ukraine.

Asked about India’s involvement, Karin Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One as President Joe Biden flew to Pennsylvania that the United States is concerned about any country participating in military exercises with Russia during a war with Ukraine.

Contingents and observers from more than ten countries, including China, India, Syria, Algeria, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Laos and Azerbaijan, are participating in this year’s Vostok exercises. Military personnel of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which together with Russia are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), will also be present.

On Monday, Russia assured that the “Vostok-2002” maneuvers, in which more than 50,000 soldiers take part on September 1-7, are not directed against any country and any military alliance, such as NATO.