India strategic partner, can use ties with Russia to end war: US

New Delhi, July 10

A day after PM Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the US has asked New Delhi to use its longstanding relations and urge Moscow to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Addressing the media in Washington, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We believe India’s longstanding relationship with Russia gives it the ability to urge President Putin to end his brutal war — an unprovoked war in Ukraine.”

Jean-Pierre was also asked if the US was concerned that India, as a US ally, might be actually aiding Russia either intentionally or unintentionally. The White House spokesperson responded, “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia. We think it’s critical that all countries, including India, support efforts to achieve an enduring and just peace when it comes to Ukraine. It is important for all our allies to realise this.”

Separately, the US State Department spokesperson said, “We have been quite clear about our concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. We have expressed those privately, directly to the Indian Government and continue to do so, and that hasn’t changed.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Charge d’affaires in New Delhi Roman Babushkin today said PM Modi’s visit was “historic and game-changing” considering the turbulent geopolitical environment. He said the visit was watched by the world and it was evident how significant the trip was.