Washington: In the midst of ongoing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, the United States has called upon India to leverage its longstanding ties with Russia to advocate for an end to President Vladimir Putin’s “illegal war” in Ukraine.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, underscored India’s significant relationship with Russia during a press briefing on Monday, urging India to use its diplomatic influence to promote peace and uphold international norms.
“So India has a longstanding relationship with Russia. I think that’s well-known. And we have – speaking for the United States – encouraged India to utilize that relationship with Russia, that longstanding relationship and the unique position that they have, to urge President Putin to end his illegal war and to find a just peace, a lasting peace to this conflict; to tell Vladimir Putin to respect the UN Charter, to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Miller stated.
He continued, “We will continue to emphasize this message with the Government of India, an important partner for us in matters relating to Russia.”
Miller’s remarks came in response to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized as undermining peace efforts.
During his official visit to Moscow, PM Modi and President Putin discussed ambitious goals aimed at reducing trade barriers and achieving a bilateral trade volume exceeding USD 100 billion by 2030, as outlined in their Joint Statement.
They also committed to ongoing discussions on expanding bilateral trade relations, including the potential establishment of an EAEU-India Free Trade Area, and enhancing financial cooperation through national currencies and digital payment systems.
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In a symbolic gesture of deepening ties, PM Modi was honored with Russia’s highest civilian award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, a recognition of the enduring friendship between India and Russia.
During discussions with President Putin, PM Modi reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to peace, emphasizing that lasting solutions cannot be achieved through violence but only through dialogue.
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“As a friend, I have always said that for the bright future of our coming generations, peace is of utmost importance. But I also know that solutions are not possible on battlegrounds. Amid bombs, guns, and bullets, solutions and peace talks do not succeed. We will have to follow the path to peace only through talks,” PM Modi affirmed.
This visit marked PM Modi’s first trip to Russia since the conflict erupted in 2022, underscoring India’s consistent stance on advocating for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts while maintaining strategic partnerships.
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Expressing deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, due to global conflicts, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to humanitarian values.
“Be it war, conflicts, terror attacks – everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching. That pain is immense. I also held a detailed discussion with you over this,” PM Modi emphasized.
