Washington: Despite India's refusal to publicly criticise Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, as evidenced by its repeated absences from resolutions criticising Russia's actions, the US administration has requested India to distance itself from Russia.

India, one of the US's most important allies, has not condemned Russia's actions so far but has urged for an end to the bloodshed.

Donald Lu, the US secretary of state for South Asian affairs, stated that India will find the time to separate itself from Russia as Russia faces harsh condemnation for its conduct. The United States considers India to be a critical security partner. And the US cherishes that alliance, he added.

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Donald Lu told a Senate subcommittee that US authorities have spoken with Indian officials on the significance of a coordinated response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Officials in the United States have asked India to clarify its position. Officials from the Biden administration have publicly questioned India's position on this subject, despite the fact that India abstained from voting in three UN discussions on Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.

The United States is exerting pressure on India to openly criticise Russia's activities and to censure Russia. Japan and Australia, members of this non-military alliance with an emphasis on the Indo-Pacific area, have shown signals of siding with or leaning toward Washington during the virtual Quad conference.