'We urge India to ...': What US said on PM Modi-Putin meet in Russia

The United States has called upon India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Russia, to convey a clear message to Moscow that any resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine must adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, which safeguard the territorial integrity of all member states, including Ukraine.

Responding to questions regarding Modi's visit to Moscow, US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that India is a strategic partner with whom the US engages in open and honest dialogue, including concerns about India's relationship with Russia.

"We did just see Modi, like (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban, meet with (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. We thought that was an important step to take. And we would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN charter, that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Ukraine's sovereignty," Miller said.

Miller stated that he would closely examine Prime Minister Modi's public statements to ascertain the topics discussed during the visit.

"I will look to Prime Minister Modi's public remarks to see what he talked about. But as I said, we made quite clear directly with India our concerns about their relationship with Russia. So we would hope India and any other country, when they engage with Russia, would make clear that Russia should respect the UN charter, should respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in response to a question.

On Monday evening, Putin welcomed Modi at his official Novo-Ogaryovo residence for a private meeting, during which he commended the Indian leader for his efforts in advancing India's progress. This marks Modi's first visit to Russia since the country's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.

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