US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for Ukraine’s territorial integrity at a meeting in Washington. In a joint statement on Thursday, Biden and Modi, who traveled to the United States for a state visit, stressed that “international law, the principles of the UN Charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty” must be respected in view of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
At a joint press conference with Biden at the White House, Modi, who has opposed Western countries’ efforts to isolate Russia internationally, also said he wanted to work for “peace” in Ukraine. “Since the events in Ukraine began, India has placed emphasis on dispute resolution, dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said. “We are absolutely ready to help restore peace in whatever way we can.”
So far, India has refused to clearly condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. On the contrary, the country buys Russian oil on a large scale and thus provides Russia with important financial resources.
Modi was only the third leader to make a state visit to the United States since Biden took office in January 2021. The visit was of great political importance: the United States government wants to place India as a counterweight to China and persuade the government from New Delhi to break with Russia.
For the culinary highlight of the state visit, Biden invited to the state banquet almost entirely vegetarian, as Modi is a vegetarian. Marinated millet and grilled corn salad were to start as a starter, followed by stuffed portobello mushrooms with saffron risotto and cardamom-infused strawberry tart for dessert. Alternatively, there was a roasted sea bass as a main course. Nearly 400 guests were invited, including several ministers, Apple chief Tim Cook and Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege.
Before toasting, Biden said in a short speech to Modi: “Two great nations, two great friends and two great powers. Cheers.” Modi again thanked Biden for the invitation. “You are a soft-spoken man, but when it comes to action you are very strong,” Modi said. He then toasted “to liberty and the everlasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States”.
Modi’s visit to Washington has been controversial: critics accuse the Hindu nationalist, who has been in power since 2014, of an increasingly authoritarian course. The US State Department also released a recent report denouncing attacks against members of religious minorities, such as Christians and Muslims, in the country. Several lawmakers from Biden’s Democratic Party boycotted a speech by Modi before Congress on Thursday.
At the White House press conference, Modi denied accusations that India discriminated against the Muslim minority. Whether it’s caste, creed, religion or gender, there is absolutely no room for discrimination,” said the Prime Minister.
Biden stressed the importance of “religious pluralism”. “Equality before the law, freedom of speech, religious pluralism and diversity in our populations – these fundamental principles have endured and evolved even as they faced challenges in our two nations’ histories,” said the US president.
Biden has hosted two presidents on state visits since taking office in January 2021: French President Emmanuel Macron late last year and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April. Modi was now the third guest to receive such an honor.