Boris Johnson urges India to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Boris Johnson urges India to abandon neutral stance and condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Boris Johnson spoke about the ‘grave situation’ in Ukraine with Narendra Modi
India abstained when United Nations voted to unanimously condemn Russia
PM’s spokesman said Mr Johnson urged Mr Modi to condemn Putin’s actions

Boris Johnson urged India to join the West in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, amid growing anger over its neutral stance.

He spoke to the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, to discuss the ‘grave situation’ in the country.

When the United Nations voted to unanimously condemn Russia earlier this month, India abstained.

Boris Johnson (pictured) urged India to join the West in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, amid growing anger over its neutral stance

Mr Modi has even set up a mechanism to facilitate trade with Russia, using rupees to help Putin avoid the effects of sanctions.

To this end, India has also started buying oil from Russia at cheap rates.

Yesterday the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Mr Johnson urged Mr Modi to use this close relationship with the Kremlin for good.

He said: ‘The Prime Minister recognises that India has an important role to play in its relationship with Putin and his regime.

Mr Modi (pictured) has even set up a mechanism to facilitate trade with Russia, using rupees to help Putin avoid the effects of sanctions

‘We urged him to join the condemnation of Putin.’

Asked about India’s decision to buy Russian oil, the spokesman said ‘we want all countries to move away from reliance on Russian oil and gas’.

Meanwhile the Foreign Office is hopeful that new Western sanctions will be announced in the coming days.