New Delhi: New Delhi has responded to a United States official's comment expressing disappointment over the timing and symbolism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, asserting that all countries have the "freedom of choice" to decide their bilateral relations based on mutual interests. India also highlighted its longstanding ties with Russia.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media on Thursday, stating, “India has a longstanding relationship with Russia that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multipolar world, every country has the freedom of choice. It is essential for everyone to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.”

The statement followed remarks by Donald Lu, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, during a US Congress hearing on Tuesday. Lu expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Modi's recent state visit to Moscow, particularly criticizing its timing. “I could not agree with you more about our disappointment about the symbolism and the timing of Prime Minister Modi's trip to Moscow. We are having those tough conversations with our Indian friends,” Lu stated, responding to a query by Congressman Joe Wilson, a former co-chair of the Caucus of India and Indian Americans.

Lu's comments pointed out that the visit occurred around the time when Russia attacked a children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. He also noted that although no major defense deals or technology cooperation were signed during the visit, Prime Minister Modi publicly stated to President Putin that the war could not be won on the battlefield.

Regarding New Delhi's defense cooperation with Russia, Lu acknowledged shared concerns but highlighted a decline in India's defense imports from Russia. "The Indians have canceled billions of dollars in defense purchases over these last two and a half years because the Russians can't deliver anymore. So, we're working very hard on that," he added.

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