Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated that India's relationship with Russia gives it the ability to urge Russian President Putin to end the war with Ukraine.

The statement came after PM Modi told Putin that the death of innocent children was "painful and terrifying", a day after a deadly strike on a children's hospital in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.

Jean-Pierre said, "India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia. We think it’s critical that all countries, including India, support efforts to realize an enduring and just peace when it comes to Ukraine. It is important for all our allies to realize this."

"We also believe India’s long-standing relationship with Russia gives it the ability to urge the President Putin to end his brutal war in Ukraine," she added.

war in Ukraine
Image Source: GLOBSEC

PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Putin on Tuesday. He told the Russian president, "Your Excellency, let's take war, any conflict or terrorist acts: any person who believes in humanity feels pain when people die, and especially when innocent children die. When we feel such pain, the heart simply explodes."

During their informal meeting on Monday, Modi expressed his views on the war and suggested that "no solution is possible on the battlefield."

The Russian President honoured PM Modi with the highest civilian award of Russia, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle on Tuesday, for his exceptional role in advancing strategic ties between India and Russia.

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