US urges India to balance relations with Russia amid bilateral talks with Putin
In a significant diplomatic exchange, the United States emphasized India’s strategic partnership while urging a careful approach to its relationship with Russia, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the importance of open dialogue between the US and India, stating, “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. And that includes our concerns about their relationship with Russia.” Miller’s comments came in response to inquiries regarding Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Moscow for talks with Putin.
“We did just see Modi, like Orban, meet with Zelenskyy,” Miller noted, referencing other recent diplomatic engagements involving Ukraine. “We would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN charter, Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Miller further indicated that the US had directly conveyed its concerns to India regarding its ties with Russia. “We would hope India and any other country, when they engage with Russia, would make clear that Russia should respect the UN charter, should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
During Modi’s visit, Russian President Putin warmly welcomed the Indian Prime Minister at his official residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, characterizing their meeting as a “private engagement” where he lauded Modi’s contributions to India’s advancement.
This visit marks Modi’s first trip to Russia since the country’s invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, underscoring the complexities and nuances in international relations as India navigates its diplomatic course between key global powers.
