India has sharply responded to a U.S. comment describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as merely symbolic. New Delhi emphasized its right to conduct independent foreign relations based on its national interests.
During a session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan, PM Modi reiterated to President Putin that “this era is not of war,” highlighting India’s consistent stance on seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. This meeting, the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, underscored India’s delicate balance of maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia while addressing global concerns about the conflict.
The U.S. criticism was perceived as undermining India’s autonomous foreign policy, and India’s firm response stressed its commitment to uphold its strategic autonomy and foster relationships that benefit its national interest. The interactions between PM Modi and President Putin covered a wide range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy security, and regional stability. Modi’s visit also included meetings with the Indian diaspora and discussions on enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation in various sectors.
This diplomatic exchange reflects the broader geopolitical tensions and the challenges countries face in navigating their foreign relations amidst global conflicts and shifting alliances.
