India Defends PM Modi’s Meeting with Vladimir Putin After US Criticism
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday issued a strong response after a high-ranking US official criticized the recent meeting between Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. India has been balancing a delicate diplomatic position in recent years, maintaining ties with both Moscow and Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict. The response came after comments by US diplomat Donald Lu, who expressed ‘disappointment’ at Modi’s visit to Russia and noted that Washington is having “tough conversations” with New Delhi.
“India and Russia share a long-standing relationship based on mutual interests. In a multipolar world, every country has the freedom to choose its own path. It is important for all to recognize and respect these facts,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly press briefing on Thursday.
Several top Biden administration officials expressed concern following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for a bilateral summit in early July. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also reacted strongly to photographs of Modi hugging the Russian leader.
“Today 37 people, including three children, were killed and 170, including 13 children, were injured due to a Russian missile attack in Ukraine. The missile hit the country’s largest children’s hospital, where young cancer patients were being treated. Many were buried under the rubble. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his disappointment and anger, saying it was heartbreaking to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hugging the world’s most violent criminal in Moscow on such a tragic day.”
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During a Congressional hearing on Tuesday, US diplomat Donald Lu expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia and called the timing and symbolism of the trip unfortunate.
“The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia expressed shared concerns about the visit and said they are working hard to communicate these concerns directly to the Indian government.”
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