France, Sept. 17 -- During an official visit to New Delhi this week, French Foreign MinisterCatherine Colonna saidshe "understands and respects"the history of Indo-Russian relations, underlining the role India could play in opening talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

While seekingto pressure on Moscow to open a "sincere and honest dialogue" with Kyiv, Colonna said sherespectedIndia's ties with Russia.

"We know the history ... Weknow of India's past and present relations with Russia" Colonna said during her two-day trip, where she metwith Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We know the differences in our relations vis-a-vis Russia ... We do respect your country's decision to keep going with some relations," she told India Today TV, asNew Delhihas...