Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India's monthly purchase of Russian oil is less than what Europe imports in an afternoon. He made these remarks in US where he and Rajnath Singh are attending 2+2 meet with their counterparts. Amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, India's decision to purchase oil from Russia, despite many sanctions against Moscow, has raised eyebrows in US and Europe. Earlier, MEA had also pointed out that Europe was still importing Russian oil and therefore, political colouring should not be attributed to India only. White House press secretary Jen Psaki, had last week downplayed the issue by sayinh that India's import of Russian energy was just 1-2 percent of its total imports.
Key Points |
1. “If you're looking at (India's) energy purchases from Russia, I'd suggest your attention should be on Europe. We buy some energy necessary for our energy security. But I suspect, looking at figures, our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon,” said foreign minister S. Jaishankar at the 2+2 dialogue.
2. At the crucial 2+2 dialogue in the United States, the Indian foreign minister also outlined India's stance over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He said that India is against the conflict and it is in favour of dialogue and diplomacy. He also addedb that India is prepared to contribute in resolving the issue, if needed.
3. US secretary of state Antony Blinken at the 2+2 admitted that India developed relations with Russia when the US was unable to partner India. "We share profoundly values of freedom, openness, independence and sovereignty. India's relationship with Russia developed over decades at a time when US wasn't able to be a partner to India. Today, we're able and willing to be a partner of choice with India....In our judgment, imp that all countries, especially those with leverage, press Putin to end war. It's to stand together and speak with one voice to defend the dias that we share," Blinken said. Blinken further acknowledged India's help to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
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4. Addressing the media last week, White House press secretary, Jen Psaki had pointed out that India's imports of Russian oil were 1-2 percent of total oil imports. USA had earlier stated that it's up to individual nations to ban imports from Russia in order to assert pressure on Moscow.
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5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden also met virtually on Monday. India has been advocatinh dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and an end to the violence. However New Delhi has abstained itself from voting at the United Nations against Moscow.
