NSA Ajit Doval, Jake Sullivan discuss wide-ranging bilateral issues amid strain in ties over Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia

"National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, KC had a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Mr. Jake Sullivan on 12 July 2024. They discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and international concern and forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework to be held in July 2024 and later in the year," read the statement issued by the Ministry pf External Affairs.

"The NSAs agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are built on shared values and common strategic and security interests. They reiterated the need to work collectively to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," he said.

The meeting took place at a time when the United States has raised "concerns" over its "strategic partner" India's ties with Russia after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Also read: US flags 'concerns' over India's ties with Russia after Modi-Putin meet in Moscow

Speaking to the reporters, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "We did just see Modi, like (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban, meet with (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. We thought that was an important step to take.

"And we would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN charter, that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Ukraine's sovereignty."

"India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. And that includes our concerns about their relationship with Russia," Miller said.