Pentagon Reaffirms Strategic Partnership with India Amid Ukraine Crisis

The Pentagon has emphasized the strategic partnership between India and the US, despite India's close ties with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict. During a press conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder reiterated the importance of the India-US relationship and encouraged India to leverage its unique relationship with Russia to promote peace.

India is a "strategic partner" of the US and Washington is keen to continue developing that partnership, the Pentagon has said.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder made the remarks at a press conference in Washington when asked about the US-India military-to-military relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"India is a strategic partner, and we look forward to continuing to develop that partnership," he told reporters.

Modi's recent visit to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit was closely monitored by the West amidst the Ukraine conflict. Modi emphasized to Putin that a resolution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and called for peace efforts.

India has continued to defend its strategic partnership with Russia, despite not condemning Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. India has advocated for resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Responding to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Pentagon Press Secretary Ryder said, "When it comes to Ukraine and Russia's illegal occupation and invasion of Ukraine, it is up to Ukraine to decide when they are ready to negotiate for peace."

On Monday, the US acknowledged the longstanding relationship between India and Russia and encouraged New Delhi to use its unique ties with Moscow to urge an end to the illegal war against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)