Washington: As Russian attack on Ukraine continues unabated, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone call with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, stressing on the importance of a “strong collective response” to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Blinken dialed Jaishankar to discuss Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Thursday.
“Blinken stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire,” Price said.
The call between the two leaders took place soon after President Joe Biden held a White House news conference during which he said his administration is going to have consultations with India on the Ukrainian crisis.
In a tweet, Jaishankar said, “Appreciate the call from @SecBlinke. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications.” It is understood that India and the United States are not on the same page on the Ukrainian crisis.
In late-night developments Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and appealed for an immediate end to violence in Ukraine, as well as concerted efforts from all sides to return to diplomatic negotiations, a statement issued by his office said.
PM Modi reiterated his conviction that the differences between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could only be resolved by dialogue, the statement said.
(with inputs from PTI)
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