During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin, the United States expressed concerns about the strengthening ties between India and Russia. The US stressed that as a strategic partner, India should ensure that any conflict resolution adheres to the UN Charter.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the bilateral talks during a daily briefing, stating, “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. This includes discussing our concerns about their relationship with Russia.”
Miller noted Modi’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, likening it to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s engagement with Zelenskyy, calling it a significant step. He urged India and other countries engaging with Russia to ensure that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict respects the UN Charter, Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Miller added that the US would closely monitor PM Modi’s public statements regarding his discussions with Putin. “We have made our concerns about their relationship with Russia clear to India. We hope India and any country interacting with Russia will emphasize the need for Russia to respect the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
PM Modi was warmly received by President Putin at his official residence, Novo-Ogaryovo, for a “private engagement.” Putin praised Modi’s re-election for a third term, attributing it to years of dedicated work and commended his efforts for the welfare of Indian citizens.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Following the two-day official visit on July 8-9, PM Modi will travel to Austria, becoming the first Indian prime minister in 41 years to visit Vienna, since Indira Gandhi.
India’s Direct Appeal for Peace in Ukraine
During an informal meeting at President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that no resolution can be achieved through warfare.
“India has always advocated for respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. Solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward,” PM Modi reportedly told Putin during their dinner.
Furthermore, PM Modi expressed concerns about Indian nationals who were misled by unscrupulous travel agents into joining the Russian army. Sources indicated that Russia has promised to repatriate all affected individuals.
