US Asks India to Help Achieve Peace in Ukraine After PM Modi’s Visit to Russia

The United States has called on India to support efforts for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. This request came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted the strong partnership between the US and India, which was evident during PM Modi’s state visit to the US last summer.

Patel stated, “Broadly, India continues to be a country in which we partner with in a number of key areas.” He added, “In the context of Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing aggression and infringement on Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, we continue to ask all partners, including India, to support efforts to realise an enduring and just peace for Ukraine, and we urge Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s sovereign territory.”

PM Modi visited Russia from July 8-9 and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their talks, PM Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of children’s lives in conflicts, calling it “heart-wrenching.” He emphasized that everyone who believes in humanity is hurt by the loss of innocent lives. Notably, 37 children were killed in a recent missile strike at a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over PM Modi’s visit to Russia, describing it as a “devastating blow to peace efforts.” PM Modi reiterated that there is no solution on the battlefield and that peace talks cannot succeed amid violence. This was PM Modi’s first visit to Russia since the war between Moscow and Kyiv began in 2022. India has consistently advocated for “peace and diplomacy” to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.