US thinks PM Modi can still convince Putin to end Ukraine war

"I will let PM (PM Modi) speak to whatever efforts he's willing to undertake," Kirby said.

Washington, Feb 11: The United States has once again stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can play a role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine which started last February.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Friday said that the US welcomes any effort to end of hostilities in Ukraine on asking where there was still time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the war or convince President Vladimir Putin.

"I think there's still time for Putin to stop the war. I think there's still time for it. I will let PM (PM Modi) speak to whatever efforts he's willing to undertake. The US would welcome any effort that could lead to an end of hostilities in Ukraine," Kirby said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for dialogue and diplomacy between the warring nations. India has repeatedly stated that dialogue and diplomacy as the "only way forward" in the context of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, according to the statement released by PMO.

In October, PM Modi had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where he highlighted that endangering nuclear facilities could have catastrophic consequences on public health and the environment. "Prime Minister emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine. He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment," according to the press release issued by Prime Minister's office.

Although western media had initially criticised India's stand for not condemning Russia after it declared war against Ukraine, India's consistent position on the Ukraine conflict, calling for the cessation of violence and pursuit of diplomacy, has been hailed of late from both sides.

Notably, the US media had praised PM Modi for telling Putin that "today's era is not an era of war" during his meeting with the Russian President held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. However, India has abstained from various procedural votes relating to the conflict since the war began.

On the other hand, Putin had showered good words about Narendra Modi for pursuing independent foreign policy. "PM Modi is one of those individuals in the world who is able to pursue an independent foreign policy in the interest of his country, and his people without any attempts to stop him," he added.

Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine and the invasion has caused tens of thousands of deaths on both sides.