Washington, DC – Senior Biden administration officials expressed frustration over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow while President Biden was hosting a major NATO summit in Washington this week. The meeting highlighted the challenges the United States faces in its relationship with India, which is considered one of its most significant partnerships.
Prior to Modi’s visit to Moscow, several senior U.S. officials conveyed concerns to New Delhi about the timing of the meeting, which they believed could complicate America’s stance. Among those officials was Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell who had discussions with Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra in hopes of rescheduling the Modi-Putin encounter to avoid conflicting with the NATO summit.
Modi’s warm embrace of Putin in Moscow, just hours after Russian bombings in Ukraine, drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This gesture raised eyebrows within the Biden administration as they sought to deepen their strategic relationship with India, a key player in countering China.
Despite U.S. reservations, Modi proceeded with the meeting in Moscow, emphasizing the complexities of India’s foreign policy as it strives to balance its relationships with both Washington and Moscow while asserting its strategic autonomy. The Biden administration expressed displeasure over the optics of the meeting, labeling it as “deeply inappropriate.”
Indian officials defended their ties with Russia, citing concerns about growing closeness between Beijing and Moscow. They highlighted the importance of cultivating relationships with both the U.S. and Russia to maintain a diplomatic balance and ensure access to resources necessary for India’s economic growth and national security.
As India continues to navigate its relationships with major powers, including the U.S. and Russia, tensions persist over differing priorities and allegiances. The Biden administration remains committed to advancing projects in technology, defense, and clean energy cooperation with India, despite concerns raised by some observers about India’s alignment with Russia amidst international conflicts.
The visit to Moscow by Prime Minister Modi underscores the delicate diplomatic dance India must perform as it seeks to maintain its autonomy while engaging with strategic partners on various fronts. The global geopolitical landscape is constantly evolving, and India’s foreign policy decisions reflect the complex web of interests and considerations that shape its international engagements.