The United States has urged India to leverage its longstanding relationship with Russia to encourage President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and seek a lasting peace. Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the State Department, emphasised this point in a statement on Monday. He highlighted the unique position India holds due to its historical ties with Russia and suggested that India could play a crucial role in mediating the conflict.
Miller's comments came in response to questions about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin. This visit has drawn significant attention in Washington, reflecting the global interest in the dynamics of international diplomacy amid the Ukraine conflict.
"India has a longstanding relationship with Russia," Miller noted. He continued, "We have, speaking for the United States, encouraged India to utilize that relationship with Russia, that longstanding relationship in 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."
Miller’s remarks underscore the U.S. perspective that India’s influence could be pivotal in convincing Russia to respect the UN charter, uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
"We continue to impress upon the government of India, which is an important partner of ours when it comes to its relationship with Russia, the importance of urging Vladimir Putin to respect international norms," Miller added.
India’s relationship with Russia has deep roots, dating back to the Soviet era. The two nations have enjoyed strong ties in various sectors, including defence, energy, and trade. This historical connection places India in a unique position to act as a mediator. However, India has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, calling for peace and dialogue without explicitly condemning Russia's actions.
During his visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s position on the Ukraine conflict, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. In his meeting with President Putin, Modi expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of the war and the global economic repercussions, especially on developing countries.
The United States sees India's diplomatic engagement with Russia as an opportunity to exert influence on the Kremlin. The hope is that India can encourage Russia to consider a peaceful resolution to the conflict, aligning with international calls for an end to hostilities.
Washington's appeal to India comes amid ongoing efforts to rally global support against Russia's actions in Ukraine. The U.S. and its allies have imposed a series of economic sanctions on Russia and have provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine. Despite these efforts, the conflict has persisted, with significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Ukraine.
India’s potential role as a mediator is seen as crucial, given its ability to engage both the Western powers and Russia. By advocating for a peaceful resolution, India could help bridge the gap between the conflicting parties. The U.S. believes that India’s unique position could be leveraged to achieve a breakthrough in the stalled peace process.
Miller's statement also reflects the broader U.S. strategy of engaging allies and partners worldwide to isolate Russia diplomatically. By encouraging countries with significant ties to Russia to advocate for peace, the U.S. aims to increase pressure on Moscow to reconsider its stance and seek a diplomatic solution.
The U.S. has called upon India to use its historical relationship with Russia to advocate for an end to the war in Ukraine and promote a lasting peace. This appeal highlights India's potential role as a mediator in the conflict, given its unique position and longstanding ties with Russia. The U.S. hopes that India's influence can contribute to a peaceful resolution and uphold international norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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