WASHINGTON: The United States has raised deep concerns with India regarding its ties with Russia amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said.
The development takes place as New Delhi has faced pressure from the Western countries to distance itself from Moscow after Russian forces invaded Ukraine. Indian PM Modi met Putin in Russia on Monday in his first trip since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Matthew Miller told reporters in reply to questions regarding a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that they have made quite clear directly with New Delhi their concerns regarding their relationship with Moscow.
Matthew Miller said, “India and other countries when they engage with Russia would make clear that Russia should respect the United Nations Charter, should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
According to Reuters news agency, Moscow has been New Delhi’s largest arms supplier since the USSR days. However, India has been seeking other options, as the Ukraine war hopped Russia’s ability to supply ammunitions and spares. The West has tried to isolate Russia but India has continued to build ties with Moscow. New Deli has notably refrained from criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or supporting sanctions. Instead, India has capitalized on the discounted Russian oil, which has become a cornerstone of its energy imports. The West bloc is concerned that India’s substantial oil imports from Russia are indirectly funding Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
