The United States has expressed disappointment over the timing and symbolism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, especially coinciding with the NATO summit. This has raised concerns among American lawmakers about the growing ties between India and Russia.
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- US Disappointment: The US expressed disappointment regarding the timing and symbolism of PM Modi’s trip to Moscow during the NATO summit.
- Official Statement: Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, conveyed these concerns to American lawmakers at a Congressional hearing.
- Contextual Visit: Lu highlighted that PM Modi had met Ukrainian President Zelenskyy two weeks prior to his Moscow visit, at the G7 summit in Italy.
- No New Deals: During the Moscow visit, no new major defense deals or significant technology cooperation discussions were observed.
- Modi’s Stance: PM Modi publicly expressed that the Ukraine war could not be won on the battlefield, referencing the tragic bombing of a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
- US Communication: The US is having “tough conversations” with India about its concerns and has noted India’s cancellation of billions in defense purchases from Russia over the past two and a half years.
- Congressional Concerns: Congressman Joe Wilson expressed shock and sadness over PM Modi’s embrace of President Putin, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Historical Ties: Wilson recalled his admiration for Modi and the positive experiences with the Indian American community, which has thrived in the US due to democratic principles.
- Democratic Alignment: Wilson stressed that India’s future should align with democratic free markets rather than dictatorships like Russia.
- Call for Action: The Congressman urged efforts to reduce India’s dependency on Russian weapons and commodities, which are indirectly funding the conflict in Ukraine.
