National Security Adviser Ajit Doval engaged in a discussion with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan on Friday, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia and meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The conversation, which took place days after Modi's diplomatic mission, focused on a variety of bilateral, regional, and international concerns, particularly upcoming engagements under the Quad framework.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “They discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and international concern and forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework to be held in July 2024 and later in the year.”
The NSAs reaffirmed their commitment to advancing India-US relations, marking their shared values and strategic and security interests.
The MEA further noted, “They reiterated the need to work collectively to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
This dialogue follows Sullivan’s visit to Delhi last month, where he met with Doval, Prime Minister Modi, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
On July 10, in the wake of PM Modi’s visit to Russia, the US State Department expressed "ongoing concerns regarding India’s relationship with Russia".
On July 10, in the wake of PM Modi’s just-concluded visit to Russia, the US State Department, for the second day in a row, had expressed “concerns about India’s relationship with Russia”.
The US confirmed that it “continues” to express these concerns to India, the US also confirmed that it had held “conversations” with India in the “past 24 hours” too.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We have been quite clear about our concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. We have expressed those privately directly to the Indian government and continue to do so. And that has not changed.”
He said that "the US’s position on urging India to support efforts for a just and enduring peace in Ukraine, based on the UN charter and upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty."
“That will continue to be what we will engage with India about,” he added.
The day prior, Miller had remarked, “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. And that includes our concerns about their relationship with Russia.”
PM Modi’s visit to Russia was closely watched globally, especially following a suspected Russian missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
In his meeting with President Putin, Modi expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, stating, “The death of innocent children causes pain and the heart simply explodes. Peace talks do not succeed amid bombs, guns, and bullets. The solution to any conflict cannot be found on the battlefield.”
Modi described his exchange with Putin as frank and noted a “new way” of thinking. His visit coincided with the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington, marking their 75th anniversary.
Modi’s recent statements represented a sharper stance compared to his remarks in September 2022 during the SCO Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
There, he had told Putin, “This is not the era of war,” a statement that was later echoed in the G20’s Bali declaration and by Western leaders pressing Russia to end the war.
The Ukraine war has positioned India in a delicate diplomatic situation with its Western allies.
New Delhi has maintained a balanced stance, not explicitly condemning the Russian invasion but calling for an international probe into the Bucha massacre and voicing concern over nuclear threats from Russia.
India has abstained from voting against Russia in several United Nations Security Council resolutions. However, Washington has shown understanding of India’s position, recognising its defence dependencies on Russia.
India has consistently been adamant on its commitment to peace, respect for international law, and support for the UN Charter, advocating a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The nation has reiterated that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial, implicitly questioning Russia’s actions.
Doval’s conversation with Sullivan, occurring shortly after Modi’s Russia visit, meanwhile, indicate Delhi’s intent to maintain open channels with the West.
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