India's Growing Engagement with Ukraine and U.S. Relations

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expects India to soon engage more directly with Ukraine, stating the importance of India’s global role. During a recent Senate hearing, Campbell emphasized the critical nature of U.S.-India relations amid growing tensions with Russia and China.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell announced on Tuesday that word is expected soon regarding India's increased engagement with Ukraine. Responding to a Senate hearing query about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow this month, Campbell expressed optimism about the development.

Campbell noted that India desires to play a responsible global role. Western nations have imposed sanctions on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022; however, nations like India and China continue trade ties. Modi's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin occurred amidst international condemnation of a Russian missile attack on a hospital in Kyiv, which killed at least 41 people.

The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over India's Russian relations, especially as the U.S. seeks to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance China's rise. Campbell emphasized the significance of successfully navigating U.S.-India relations, given the large Indian diaspora and shared interests, despite India not being a formal ally.

(With inputs from agencies.)