India Has Ability To Push Putin To End Ukraine War: US

India's relationship with Russia gives it an ability to urge President Vladimir Putin to end its war with Ukraine, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday (9 July).

Jean-Pierre made the remarks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin that the death of innocent children was painful and terrifying, a day after a lethal strike on a children's hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

"India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia," Jean-Pierre said.

"We think it’s critical that all countries, including India, support efforts to re- — to realize an enduring and just peace when it comes to Ukraine. It is important for all our allies to realize this," she said.

"We also believe India’s long-standing relationship with Russia gives it the ability to urge the — the president — President Putin to end his brutal war — an unprovoked war in Ukraine," she added.

On Tuesday, the second and final day of his Russia visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Putin, their first in two years.

Addressing the invasion head-on after recognising the close ties between the two countries, PM Modi told the Russian president: "Your Excellency, let's take war, any conflict or terrorist acts: any person who believes in humanity feels pain when people die, and especially when innocent children die. When we feel such pain, the heart simply explodes."

Stating that the two leaders had listened to each other's views on Ukraine on Monday, the Prime Minister said he had placed the Global South's expectations on peace and stability before Putin and reiterated that "no solution is possible on the battlefield", NDTV reported.

During the visit, President Vladimir Putin officially bestowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russia's highest civilian honour, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.

The ceremony recognised Modi's 'exceptional' contributions to advancing the strategic partnership between Russia and India.

Also Read: Ministry Of Home Affairs Extends Ban On Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's Sikhs For Justice, Cites Threat To Unity And Integrity