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"Freedom of Choice": India defends its ties with Russia amid US criticism
“In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Photo Caption- PM Modi met Putin in Russia on July.8 in the prime minister's first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. / X/@narendramodi
India has dismissed concerns raised by the US administration regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia, asserting that all countries in a multipolar world have the freedom to choose their bilateral relationships.
This statement comes on the heels of US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu’s criticism of Modi's trip to Moscow during a Congressional hearing. He expressed disappointment over the "symbolism and timing" of the visit, especially when President Joe Biden was hosting the NATO Summit in Washington.
In response to Lu's comments, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on July 25 emphasized in a press conference that the relationship between India and Russia is founded on mutual interests.
"You must understand that India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests," Jaiswal told reporters at the briefing. “In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities,” he added.
Jaiswal further noted that Modi's visit to Moscow had a significant economic focus, with Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin setting an ambitious trade target of $100 billion by 2030. The discussions also centered on ensuring predictable supplies of Russian crude, fertilizers, and nuclear fuel for the Kudankulam power plant.
During his visit, Modi conveyed to Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict could not be found on the battlefield and that peace talks could not succeed "under the shadow of the gun."
Addressing the Congressional hearing on July 23, Lu reiterated the US administration's concerns about the visit. "I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians," Lu said in response to Republican Congressman Joe Wilson's remarks.
However, Lu also sought to contextualize the visit, noting that Modi had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy just two weeks prior to his trip to Moscow.
Lu pointed out that no new major defense deals or significant technology cooperation were discussed during Modi's visit. He also highlighted Modi's public remarks to Putin, in which he condemned the war in Ukraine and expressed his sorrow over the death of children. This was a reference to Russia's bombing of Ukraine's largest children's hospital on the day Modi arrived in Moscow.
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