Prachi Mishra, Pune
India gave a befitting reply to the US, making their stance completely clear after the US raised obligations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trip to Russia.
Modi visited Russia in the second week of July. The main objective of this visit was to strengthen the economic relationship and the trade link between the two countries. But, his visit was paid keen attention by the entire world. The reason for the same being Modi’s third time winning the Parliamentary elections and the current Russia-Ukraine War where India took a very diplomatic stance.
Both the US and Ukraine were openly critical of Modi’s visit to Russia and expressed their displeasure on this issue. Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said to the US Congress that the planning and embodiment of this trip has come as a shock to us and we would like to discuss this issue with our Indian counterparts.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal gave a very stern reply to this remark by stating that every country has the freedom of choice. And, no country gets the right to dictate to another country. Furthermore, he added that the relationship between India and Russia is well-established and time-honored. Both countries mutually benefited from the ties.
The West was already disturbed by the idea of India not criticizing the Kremlin after the Russia-Ukraine War started. India decided to sit on the fence and refrained from giving its view on the situation directly. It further continued its trade links with Russia.
In the past few days, the US continuously nudged India to utilize their friendly ties with Russia attributed to Modi’s acquaintance with Russian President Vladimir Putin to somehow convince him to end this ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Narendra Modi was addressed as ‘dear friend’ by Putin on his arrival in Moscow this time. Moreover, he was also awarded Russia’s highest civilian award the ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ on 9th July, 2024.
PM Modi on live television was recorded saying in the bi-lateral discussion with President Putin that the on-going war with Ukraine can not be conquered in the combat zone and it is dreadful and heartening to see visuals of children losing their lives.