Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, has acknowledged that India has a longstanding relationship with Russia and urged India to use such ties for peace between Russia and Ukraine.

He also said India is an important partner of his country.

Miller's comments, at a press briefing, came in the backdrop of the recent trade talks between India and Russia, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Upon being asked to comment on the trade talks between the two countries, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy terming the same a "devastating blow to the peace efforts", Miller said, "So, India has a longstanding relationship with Russia. I think that's well known."

"We have, speaking for the United States, encouraged India to utilise that relationship with Russia, that longstanding relationship and the unique position that they have, to urge (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin to end his illegal war and to find a just peace, a lasting peace to this conflict, to tell Vladimir Putin to respect the United Nations Charter, to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Miller said.

"And that's what we'll continue to impress upon the government of India, who is an important partner of ours when it comes to their relationship with Russia," he added.

Earlier this month, India and Russia agreed to increase bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030, including the use of national currencies to circumvent Western sanctions, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for the 22nd Annual Summit in Moscow.

This was their first meeting since the war in Ukraine began two years ago.

In their joint statement, India and Russia also highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution of the "conflict around Ukraine", a phrase reflecting Russia's claims.

"They noted with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law and on the basis of the United Nations Charter," the statement read.

Source: India Today