KEY QUOTE
"Secretary Blinken underscored the importance of realizing a just and enduring peace for Ukraine consistent with the UN Charter," the State Department said in a statement on Sunday on the meeting between Blinken and Jaishankar.
Social media posts from both Blinken and Jaishankar on Sunday mentioned their meeting but did not specifically mention Ukraine.
CONTEXT
India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, while urging the two nations to resolve their conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has resisted pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow since the invasion, citing its longstanding ties with Russia and its economic needs.
In recent years, Washington has looked to improve ties with New Delhi as it has increasingly viewed India as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China. However, while Modi was visiting Russia, the State Department said it raised concerns with India over its ties to Russia.
Published 28 July 2024, 18:24 IST