US urges India's Modi to advocate for Ukraine's sovereignty in Russia visit

WASHINGTON

The US State Department on Monday urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a US ally, to make clear that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict needs to respect Ukraine's sovereignty as he met in Russia with President Vladimir Putin.

"We would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN Charter, that respects Ukraine's territory, Ukraine's sovereignty," said spokesman Matthew Miller during a press briefing.

"India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue, and that includes on our concerns about the relationship with Russia," Miller added.

Earlier in the day, Modi arrived in Russia for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip abroad after being re-elected prime minister for the third time.

The Kremlin said that Putin and Modi "will focus on the future development of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and India, as well as on key international and regional issues."

The meeting coincides with an upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., where India is considered an ally.

Modi said on X that after Russia, he would travel to Austria.

"These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries," he said.