Washington/New Delhi: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about the “importance of a strong collective response to Russian aggression” during his phone conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Blinken in a tweet on Thursday also termed Russia’s attack on Ukraine “a clear violation of the rules-based international order”. He said: “Spoke with @DrSJaishankar today about the crisis in Ukraine and the importance of a strong collective response to Russian aggression. “Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a clear violation of the rules-based international order.” The US State Department in a readout said that Blinken spoke with the EAM “to discuss Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. “Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire.” EAM Jaishankar on Thursday night received a call from the US Secretary of State. He said in a tweet that the two discussed the developments in Ukraine and its implications. The EAM in a tweet said: “Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken. “Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications.” The talks came as US President Joe Biden said that the US is in consultation with India over New Delhi’s stance on the Ukraine issue, and that it is an issue that both sides have not been able to “resolve completely”. Asked at a press conference if India, a major defence partner of the US, and Washington were in sync over the Ukraine issue and Russia, Biden said: “We are in consultation with India today. We haven’t resolved that completely.” India has not taken sides on the Ukraine issue, and has called for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the issue as well as de-escalation of tensions. UNI RN
