Sullivan engages with Indian counterpart amid US concerns over Modi's Russia visit

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Friday, India confirmed, following US concerns over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

India's foreign ministry stated that Sullivan and Doval discussed a broad spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global issues during their phone call, Caliber.Az reports quoting foreign media.

The statement did not specify whether they addressed Modi's recent two-day visit to Russia, where Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in Ukraine, including a deadly strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv. Despite not condemning Russia's actions, Modi emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Both Indian and Russian officials dismissed reports of disagreements between Modi and Putin during their discussions. Sullivan and Doval affirmed their commitment to strengthen India-US relations based on shared values and mutual strategic and security interests. They also agreed on the importance of collaborating to tackle global challenges to peace and security.

Earlier, the US State Department had expressed concerns to New Delhi about India's ties with Moscow, coinciding with Modi's visit to Russia during a NATO summit in Washington where Ukraine was a major topic of discussion. Russia has long been a key ally and major arms supplier to India, while the U.S. seeks to deepen its partnership with India as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.