‘Freedom of Choice’: India defends ties with Russia following US official's remark
- In Reports
- 10:42 PM, Jul 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
Responding to a US official's comment expressing disappointment over the symbolism and timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, New Delhi asserted on Thursday that every nation has the "freedom of choice" to shape its bilateral relations based on “mutuality of interests”. The statement also underscored India's long-standing relationship with Russia.
Speaking to the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India has a long-standing relationship with Russia built on mutual interests. In a multipolar world, every country has the freedom to make its own choices. It is important for everyone to recognise and respect these realities.”
During a US Congress hearing on Tuesday, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, expressed his disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to Moscow. “I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modi's trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends,” PTI quoted the US official as saying.
He made these remarks in response to a question from Congressman Joe Wilson, a former co-chair of the Caucus of India and Indian Americans, regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia.
Lu added that the visit coincided with Russia's attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The official also pointed out that India did not finalise any significant defense agreements or technology cooperation during the visit. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Putin, on live television, that the war could not be won through battlefield conflict.
Addressing New Delhi's defense cooperation with Russia, he acknowledged those concerns but noted that India's defense imports from Russia have been decreasing. "The Indians have cancelled billions of dollars in defence purchases over these last two and a half years because the Russians can't deliver anymore. So, we're working very hard on that,” Lu said.
In the first week of July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia and held summit-level discussions with President Vladimir Putin to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. India also voiced its concerns about the war in Ukraine. During the visit, PM Modi was honoured with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by President Putin in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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