India reacts to US envoy's remarks on PM's Russia trip: 'Agree to disagree'

India on Friday responded to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti's seemingly critical comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia by emphasising its commitment to "strategic autonomy".

Minister of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing a press conference, said that India's extensive relationship with the United States allows for mutual respect and the ability to "agree to disagree" on various matters.

Notably, commenting upon the Prime Minister's much talked-about Moscow visit to attend the India-Russia Summit, Garcetti had on July 12 said that the India-US relationship was wider and deeper than it's ever been, but it was not deep enough to be taken "for granted".

"I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy," he had said.

Responding to his comments, Jaiswal said, "India, like many other countries, values its 'strategic autonomy'. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. Obviously, we have different views".

"Our comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US gives us the space to agree to disagree on certain issues, while respecting each other's view-points," he said.

"As comprehensive global strategic partners, India and the US have regular discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. It is not our practice to share details of diplomatic conversations," the MEA spokesperson added.

The US ambassador had said that in an interconnected world, "no war is distant any more" and that one must not just stand for peace, but also take concrete actions to make sure those who don't play by peaceful rules, their war machines "cannot continue unabated". He added that is something the US and India need to know together.

"We will, in crisis moments, need to know each other. I don't care what title we put to it, but we will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues that, in times of need, in the next day, be acting together," Garcetti had said.

The MEA Spokesperson said that the ministry is aware of about 50 Indians who were employed in the Russian Armed Forces.

"These are cases where the individual or his/her family members have approached us for assistance in securing their early discharge. This has been pursued at various levels by us, including at the leadership level," he said.

"The Prime Minister raised this matter during his recent visit to Russia. The Russian side have responded positively to our request. Both sides are working for early discharge of Indian nationals," he added.

Notably, Russia has agreed to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians who were misled into joining the Russian Army after PM Modi raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit.

At least four Indian nationals have been killed in Russia's war with Ukraine so far, since the war started in February 2022.