Washington: The White House on Tuesday emphasized that India's strong ties with Russia give it the leverage to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This statement followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's insistence to President Putin that the solution to the Ukraine conflict lies in dialogue, not warfare.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described India as a "strategic partner" of the US, with whom they maintain "full and frank dialogue," including discussions about India's relationship with Russia. Jean-Pierre highlighted the importance of all nations, including India, in supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.

Jean-Pierre remarked, "India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia. We believe it is critical for all countries, including India, to support efforts to realize an enduring and just peace in Ukraine. India's long-standing relationship with Russia gives it the ability to urge President Putin to end his brutal, unprovoked war in Ukraine. It is for President Putin to end. President Putin started the war, and he can end the war."

Prime Minister Modi, during his bilateral talks with President Putin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, in the conflict. Modi emphasized that there is no solution on the battlefield, advocating instead for peace talks. He stated, "As a friend, I have always said that for the bright future of our coming generations, peace is of utmost importance. Solutions are not possible on battlegrounds. Amid bombs, guns, and bullets, peace talks do not succeed. We must follow the path to peace through dialogue."

Modi's visit to Russia, his first since the conflict began between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022, reaffirmed India's stance on resolving the conflict through "peace and diplomacy."

In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over Modi's visit to Russia. Zelenskyy, on social media platform X, condemned the visit as a "devastating blow to peace efforts," especially on a day when a Russian missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv resulted in the deaths of 37 people, including three children.

Zelenskyy stated, "In Ukraine today, 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. 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."

During his two-day official visit to Russia from July 8-9, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Putin and addressed the Indian community in Moscow.