US Expresses Disappointment Over Modi's Moscow Visit Amidst NATO Summit

The United States has expressed disappointment over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow during the NATO summit in the US. Concerns about India-Russia ties were discussed, highlighting a lack of major defense and technology agreements. Modi's visit coincided with significant events in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The United States is expressing disappointment over the timing and symbolism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, which coincided with the NATO summit in the US. This sentiment was conveyed by a senior State Department official during a congressional hearing, where concerns over India-Russia relations were aired.

'I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modi's trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends,' said Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu.

Modi's visit to Moscow, just weeks after meeting President Zelenskyy at a G7 summit, did not result in any new major defense deals or technology discussions. However, Modi publicly condemned the war in Ukraine, particularly the bombing of a children's hospital in Kyiv, during his visit.

Despite this, concerns persist. Congressman Joe Wilson expressed his dismay over Modi's actions, saying, 'I was shocked and saddened to see the embrace by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom I so respect and admire, embrace war criminal Putin in Moscow.'

Wilson emphasized the achievements of the Indian American community in the US and called for India to align with democratic ideals rather than dictatorship. He highlighted India's economic successes and urged for a move away from dependence on Russian weapons and commodities.

(With inputs from agencies.)