‘Freedom of choice’: India responds after US official criticises PM Modi’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp rebuttal on Thursday after a top US official criticised the recent meeting between Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. India has found itself walking a diplomatic tightrope in recent years — maintaining ties with both Moscow and Ukraine despite the ongoing war. The development came after American diplomat Donald Lu expressed 'disappointment' over the visit to Russia and said Washington was holding "tough conversations" with New Delhi.

"We must understand that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all country has freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

Several leading members of the Biden administration had voiced concern after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in early July for a bilateral summit. Visuals of the Indian leader hugging his Russian counterpart had also drawn a sharp response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike in Ukraine today. A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble. It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,” Zelensky had written on X.

Meanwhile US diplomat Donald Lu told a Congressional hearing on Tuesday that the US was disappointed by the "symbolism" and "timing" of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia.

“I share your concern about this visit...and we are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians,” the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia told a Congressional hearing.

(With inputs from agencies)