(OurNationNews.com) U.S. officials have expressed reservations to India concerning its diplomatic relations with Russia after Russia invaded Ukraine, according to a spokesman from the State Department. This came after reporters asked questions about a meeting that took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister.
Much of the West wants India to cool its relationship with Russia, and has pressured the nation to do so against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. New Delhi has not conceded, though, saying it has historical ties to Russia and is economically interdependent with the nation.
The most recent meeting between India’s Modia and Russia’s Putin took place on Monday, July 5. It was the first such meeting since the beginning of the war when Russia rolled into Ukraine in February of 2022. Prime Minister Modi posted on the social media platform Twitter/X to say that his meeting with the Russian leader will help in “cementing the bonds of friendship” between the two nations.
During the U.S. press conference, the State Department staffer told media the department will consider the content of Modi’s remarks, but the U.S. has been very clear with India about its concerns over India’s relationship with Russia. The staffer said any country that engages with Russia should push the Asian giant to “respect the U.N. Charter,” and “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Russia, of course, does not believe that Ukraine is a sovereign nation. During his historic hours-long interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Vladimir Putin gave an extended disquisition on the history of Ukraine, which he believes has always been a part of Russia.
India has long relied on Russia for its military weapons going back to the days of the Soviet Union. But the Russia-Ukraine war has made artillery scarce, forcing India to consider other sources. Russia simply cannot spare any extra armaments.
The U.S. is also interested in cozying up to India, according to political analysts, in hopes of using India as a check on China’s growing power and influence in the Asia-Pacific region
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