Modi Refuses To Let Go Of Putin Despite Biden’s Charm Offensive

Washington
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to stand by Russian President Vladimir Putin by refusing to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine was once again on display during his recently concluded visit to the United States. During Modi’s visit last week, US President Joe Biden tried to bring him into a tighter strategic embrace by praising Modi as a close friend and promising to take the relations to a higher level. But despite his efforts, the Indian Prime Minister refused to budge from India’s stated position on Russia and Ukraine. Modi has been to the US a number of times since becoming prime minister in 2014, but this was his first state visit to the country. Biden, who invited him for this state visit a rare honour reserved by American presidents for close allies had laid out the red carpet to welcome the Indian Prime Minister. Apart from a private dinner and a state banquet, Modi was also invited by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, to address the joint session of the US Congress, indicating bipartisan support for strengthening India-US ties. Biden is a Democrat. But despite the optimism about the future of the bilateral relations, the Biden administration and many in the US establishment are disappointed with India’s refusal to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and its continued comradeship with the country.