In light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Russia and Ukraine, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti stated that the United States welcomes the involvement of all parties in peacemaking efforts. Garcetti emphasized that India’s established relations with both nations position PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to play crucial roles in fostering dialogue amid ongoing conflict.
Garcetti highlighted the significance of respecting national sovereignty, asserting that peace must not come at the expense of any country. “We welcome everyone’s cooperation and participation in peacemaking. Peacemaking is hard work, requiring difficult conversations with friends,” he said. He stressed that adherence to the principle of sovereignty is vital in international relations, particularly in light of the “unwarranted, unasked-for invasion” of a sovereign nation.
“We believe that India’s relations with both Ukraine and Russia can facilitate a critical role for Prime Minister Modi and Minister Jaishankar. If we uphold these principles, we can expect tough but necessary conversations,” Garcetti said. He remarked that while India often opens diplomatic doors, there are instances where the US may not, and vice versa, reinforcing the idea that both democracies benefit from collaborative dialogue.
PM Modi’s visits to Russia in July and Ukraine in August were aimed at promoting a sincere and practical engagement among all stakeholders to restore peace in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022. India has expressed a commitment to contribute in any feasible way to facilitate a swift return to stability in the region.
In addition to discussing peacemaking, Garcetti welcomed Modi’s announcement of two new Indian consulates to be opened in Boston and Los Angeles. “I was grinning from ear to ear when Prime Minister Modi announced the new consulates. This is a promise made and delivered,” he said, emphasizing the importance of these openings for strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora in the United States.
During his three-day visit to the US, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum, highlighting the growing bilateral partnership between India and the US aimed at global good. He reiterated the commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including the establishment of the new consulates.
The Prime Minister also attended the Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden, alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The summit aims to foster peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In New York, PM Modi addressed an event of Indian diaspora and engaged with important American business leaders, who are the key stakeholders and provide vibrancy to the unique partnership between the largest and the oldest democracies of the world. He also addressed the Summit of the Future at the United Nations.
(Inputs from ANI)