• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:41 AM (IST)
  • Source:ANI
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Ukraine War: The US on Monday (Pacific Daylight Time) reiterated its calls to India to "utilise" the longstanding bilateral ties between New Delhi and Moscow to put an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The remark came as Washington noted India's "unique" geopolitical positioning, which it said makes New Delhi capable of convincing Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the "illegal war".

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "So India has a longstanding relationship with Russia. I think that's well-known. And we have - speaking for the United States - encouraged India to utilise that relationship with Russia, that longstanding relationship and 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; to tell Vladimir Putin to respect the UN Charter, to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

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He further added, "That's what we'll continue to impress upon the Government of India, who is an important partner of ours when it comes to their relationship with Russia." The US State Department's remarks came in response to a media query on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent Russia visit, which was described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a devastating blow to peace efforts.

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US Highlighting India's Role As Potential Peacemaker

Last week, as PM Modi concluded his official visit to Russia, White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said, "India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia and we've talked about this before. So we think it's critical that all countries, including India, support efforts to realise an enduring and just peace when it comes to Ukraine. It is important for all our allies to realise this."

(With inputs from agencies)