As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia enters its second day, the United States has highlighted the significance of this diplomatic engagement. The US emphasized that as India interacts with Russia, it should stress the importance of resolving the conflict in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter, ensuring respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
During a media briefing, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller noted, “Prime Minister Modi, like Prime Minister Orban, recently met with President Zelenskyy, and we view this as a significant move. We encourage India, along with other nations interacting with Russia, to ensure that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict adheres to the UN Charter and honors Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Miller reiterated that India is a strategic partner with whom the US maintains open and honest discussions, including voicing concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. He welcomed nations engaging with Russia about the war in Ukraine, provided they emphasize the need for Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Expressing anticipation for Prime Minister Modi’s public statements following his meetings with the Russian President, Miller stated, “I will look to see what he talked about, but as I said, we made quite clear directly with India our concerns about their relationship with Russia. And so 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.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Modi had an informal meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin near Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry shared a video on X, showing a warm greeting between PM Modi and President Putin, who took PM Modi on a ride in his electric car around the residence.
PM Modi is in Moscow at President Putin’s invitation and will attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit on Tuesday.