Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow has reportedly irked senior officials in the Joe Biden-led US administration, as per a Bloomberg report. During his two-day stay, PM Modi lauded Russia as India's "all-weather friend" and expressed appreciation for his "dear friend" Vladimir Putin. Modi, who received Russia's highest civilian award, praised Putin for elevating India-Russia relations over the past two decades.

Frustration Over Timing and Optics

The Bloomberg report highlighted that senior US officials were frustrated with the timing of Modi's visit and the embrace shared with Putin amid the NATO Summit, which took place from July 9 to July 11. The summit, initiated by President Biden, primarily focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. US officials conveyed that Modi's first visit to Russia since the invasion had complicated the optics for Washington, sparking internal and external criticism regarding closer US-India ties.

US Concerns and Diplomatic Communications

US officials acknowledged the visit as "difficult and uncomfortable" for the Biden administration. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell reportedly spoke with India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra in early July, suggesting the Modi-Putin meeting be rescheduled to avoid coinciding with the NATO Summit. According to the Washington Post, Campbell emphasized the US's recognition of India's long-standing ties with Moscow but expressed concern that the visit could undermine efforts to isolate Putin and deepen US-India relations.

Veiled Criticism from US Officials

During a press conference in New Delhi, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti indirectly criticized the Modi-Putin meeting, warning India not to take the US's friendship "for granted." Additionally, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan cautioned New Delhi against relying on Russia as a long-term partner, noting Russia's increasing closeness to China. Sullivan stressed that in a conflict, Moscow would likely side with Beijing over New Delhi, highlighting India's concerns about potential Chinese aggression.

Reactions and India's Stance

Former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster tweeted that it might be time to reassess the relationship with India with "much lower expectations." Despite these reactions, India, which is not a NATO member, has steadfastly defended its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia. New Delhi has maintained its ties with Moscow despite the Ukraine conflict, advocating for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy and has not condemned Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a statement on the matter.