Washington: The United States on Monday urged India to use its longstanding ties with Russia to persuade President Vladimir Putin to “end his illegal war and to find a lasting peace” in its conflict with Ukraine.

The State Department spokesperson, Mathew Miller, was questioned concerning the ongoing interest in Washington surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin.

“India has a longstanding relationship with Russia,” Miller said, adding, “We have, speaking for the United States, encouraged India to utilise that relationship with Russia, that long-standing relationship in the unique position that they have to urge President Putin to end his illegal war and to find a just peace, a lasting peace to this conflict.”

He added that India should “tell Vladimir Putin to respect the UN charter, to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. And that’s what we continue to impress upon the government of India which is an important partner of ours when it comes to its relationship with Russia.”