US Pledges Continued Engagement with India Post Modi's Moscow Visit
Washington has committed to ongoing dialogue with India to advocate for a “just peace” in Ukraine following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
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Washington has committed to ongoing dialogue with India to advocate for a “just peace” in Ukraine following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The US Department of State spokesperson, Matt Miller, emphasized on Tuesday that Washington remains clear about its concerns regarding India's relationship with Russia. He stated, “We have expressed those privately, directly to the Indian government and continue to do so.” These comments followed informal discussions between Modi and Putin at Putin’s official residence in Novo-Ogaryovo.
Miller reiterated the US's intent to encourage India to support efforts for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. This was in response to queries about the friendly interaction between Modi and Putin, which included a welcoming hug from the Russian President. This display of camaraderie drew criticism from Kiev and Washington, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeling it a “huge disappointment” and a “devastating blow to peace efforts.”
The Moscow summit coincided with Washington's hosting of Zelensky during the 75th anniversary of the NATO alliance. On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden announced the provision of a new air-defense system to Kiev and called for unity against Russia.
The Pentagon also commented on Modi’s visit to Russia, with spokesperson Patrick S. Ryder suggesting that it was predictable for President Putin to use the visit to portray a lack of isolation. Ryder's remarks came shortly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow to discuss peace prospects in Ukraine. Hungary recently assumed the rotating presidency of the European Council.
In discussions at the Kremlin, Putin lauded Modi for advocating peaceful solutions to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian President thanked Modi for his attention to pressing issues and efforts to find peaceful resolutions to the Ukrainian crisis.
Modi has previously expressed that any loss of life in conflicts, whether through war, conflict, or terrorism, is a tragedy for humanity. He emphasized that solutions to such crises can only be achieved through dialogue and peaceful means.
Despite consistent pressure from Western partners, particularly the US, to distance itself from Russia, India has maintained a close diplomatic relationship with Moscow and expanded economic cooperation. Prior to the bilateral summit, Moscow noted that the West was “jealously” monitoring Modi’s visit to Russia.
