Ties with Russia built on shared interests, US told

India on Thursday affirmed that it has a long-standing relationship with Russia based on mutuality of interests.

The strong retort by the Ministry of External Affairs came a day after the US State Department expressed disappointment over the "symbolism and timing" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently concluded trip to Moscow.

"India has a long-standing relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing.


US assistant secretary of state Donald Lu, while presenting before the powerful US House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Washington is holding "tough conversations" with New Delhi on Modi's Russia trip.

"It is shameful for India to continue supporting war criminal Putin in his mass slaughter of Ukrainians," remarked House Representative Joe Wilson, who serves as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Wilson remarked that India should refrain from relying on a "dictatorship" such as Russia.

Asked what the US can do to ensure India does not become dependent on Russian weapons, Lu said, "We are trying very hard to communicate those concerns directly to the Indians who have cancelled billions of dollars in defence purchases over these last two-and-a-half years because the Russians can't deliver anymore."