India taking Russia ‘s offer of reduced crude oil will not violate US sanctions, the White House said. “Our message to any country continues to follow the sanctions we have imposed and praised,” White House journalist Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference Tuesday.
Asked about a report on whether India could take the promise of reduced Russian crude oil, Ms Psaki said, “I do not believe this will violate that.”
“But also think about where you want to stand when history books are written at this time. Support for the Russian leadership is to support an attack that clearly has a very negative impact,” added Ms. Psaki.
India did not support the Russian invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi has been asking all stakeholders to resolve their negotiations. However, it resists all UN resolutions against Russia.
Biden officials have shown an understanding of India’s status and told lawmakers that New Delhi relied heavily on Russian military equipment to protect the country.
However, Indian-American Congressman Dr Ami Bera expressed disappointment over reports that India is contemplating buying Russian oil at a steeply discounted rate.
“If reports are accurate and India makes this decision to buy Russian oil at a discounted price, New Delhi would be choosing to side with Vladimir Putin at a pivotal moment in history when countries across the world are united in support of the Ukrainian people and against Russia’s deadly invasion,” he said.
“As the world’s largest democracy and as a leader of the Quad, India has a responsibility to ensure its actions do not directly or indirectly support Putin and his invasion,” Mr Bera said in a statement.
