The US State Department has called on India to use its longstanding relationship with Russia to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Recognizing India’s unique position, the US believes the nation could play a significant role in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution.
During a briefing on Monday, US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller emphasized India’s influential ties with Russia, saying, “India has a longstanding relationship with Russia. I think that’s well-known. And we have 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 Putin to respect the UN Charter, to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Miller reiterated that the US will continue to encourage India to use its relationship with Russia in a way that promotes peace. He stated that India remains an important partner in discussions regarding Russia. Miller had previously made similar remarks on July 9, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia.
Prime Minister Modi, during his recent visit to Russia, expressed his belief that the solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine lies in diplomatic discussions rather than on the battlefield. In his talks with Putin, Modi urged for peace talks and condemned the loss of innocent lives in the war, notably expressing sorrow over the deaths of children in Kyiv after a Russian missile attack on a hospital, which resulted in 37 fatalities.
Despite this, India has not explicitly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Shortly after Modi’s visit to Moscow, India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution that demanded Russia immediately cease its military aggression against Ukraine. The resolution also called for the withdrawal of Russian forces and unauthorized personnel from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. India was one of 60 countries that chose to abstain from the vote, which called for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
While India has maintained a neutral stance, its actions have drawn criticism from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong disapproval of Modi’s visit to Russia. In a pointed statement, Zelenskyy said, “It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day.” Zelenskyy’s comments referred to Modi’s warm interaction with Putin during a time of escalating violence in Ukraine.
India has reportedly conveyed its displeasure over Zelenskyy’s remarks through diplomatic channels. According to sources, the Indian government expressed its dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian president’s criticism to the Ukrainian mission in New Delhi.
The diplomatic balancing act that India has attempted in this conflict highlights its complex relationship with both Russia and Western nations. India and Russia have shared deep-rooted ties, especially in terms of defense and energy partnerships, which have persisted despite increasing international condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. At the same time, India’s relationship with the United States has grown stronger in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, technology, and security cooperation.
Miller underscored that despite India’s ties with Russia, the US considers India a strategic partner and remains committed to engaging in robust dialogue with New Delhi on various issues, including its relationship with Moscow. “India is a strategic partner,” he said, adding that discussions with India on Russia will continue even amid differing views on the Ukraine conflict.
This is not the first time India has faced diplomatic pressure over its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. The US and other Western nations have frequently urged India to take a firmer position against Russia, especially in international forums. However, India has consistently maintained a neutral stance, focusing instead on advocating for peaceful negotiations and a resolution to the conflict through dialogue.
India’s abstention at the UN General Assembly on the resolution calling for an end to Russia’s military aggression came just days after Modi’s high-profile visit to Moscow, during which he discussed the ongoing conflict with Putin. India’s decision not to support the resolution has been interpreted by some as a reflection of its cautious approach, seeking to avoid alienating Russia while also maintaining its growing partnership with the US and other Western countries.
India’s strategic balancing act between these global powers highlights the challenges it faces in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the Ukraine war. While India has historically enjoyed strong ties with Russia, particularly in areas like defense procurement, its relationship with the US and Western nations has become increasingly significant in recent years.
At the same time, the US continues to advocate for countries like India to use their influence to push for a resolution to the conflict. Washington sees India’s relationship with Moscow as a potential lever to encourage Putin to seek peace. Miller’s comments reflect this ongoing diplomatic effort to align India’s stance more closely with that of the US and its allies, even as India seeks to balance its strategic interests.
The US is encouraging India to use its relationship with Russia to promote peace in Ukraine, recognizing India’s unique position in global diplomacy. While Prime Minister Modi has advocated for peace talks, India has refrained from directly condemning Russia’s actions, leading to criticism from Ukraine. As India navigates its relationships with both Russia and the US, it faces the challenge of balancing its strategic interests amid international calls for a resolution to the conflict.
