India’s stern reply to US on PM Modi’s Russia visit, says ‘Have freedom of choice in foreign relations’

The Ministry of External Affairs on July 25 reacted sharply to a comment by US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, on PM Modi visiting Moscow.

Regarding the comments made by American diplomat Donald Lu about India, @MEAIndia Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “You must understand that India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutual interests in a multipolar world.

All countries have the… pic.twitter.com/oJKYWnIMbw

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 25, 2024

Lu told the US Congress on Tuesday that America was disappointed by “symbolism and timing” of PM Modi’s visit to Russia.

Lu told the US lawmakers that “I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends, I assure you.”

Jaiswal elaborated about India’s stance and said, “You must understand that India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutual interests in a multipolar world.”

Jaiswal further added that “All countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everyone to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.”

The exchange of statements between Indian and US concerning Delhi-Moscow’s relationship came at a time when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the sidelines of ASEAN meeting.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the ASEAN and QUAD meeting.

In the aftermath of Russia-Ukraine war, India’s stance of abstaining from a direct criticism of Kremlin and continuing trade ties, including weapons and fuel import has perturbed a section of the West over India’s camaraderie with Russia.

In his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi said that the war with Ukraine cannot be won on the battlefield and that it is painful to watch the death of children in war.