On reports that India may take up Russia’s offer of oil at a discounted price, the US said it will not be a violation of American sanctions but could put India on the wrong side of history.
Responding to reports that India may take up Russia’s offer of discounted crude oil, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday that it would not be a violation of US sanctions on Russia amid the Ukraine invasion.
Asked pointedly about the same at a press conference, Jen Psaki said, “I don’t believe this would be violating that [sanctions].”
However, she added that such a decision could put India on the wrong side of history. “But also think about where you want to stand when history books are written at this moment in time. Support for the Russian leadership is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact,” Jen Psaki said
She added, “Our message to any country continues to be that abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended.”
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.
Ami Bera 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.
INDIA ON UKRAINE WAR
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, triggering a massive refugee crisis and the deaths of several hundred civilians. India has consistently urged all stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue. However, India abstained in all United Nations resolutions against Russia.
Western countries have imposed several sanctions and financial penalties on Russia in a bid to pressurise it into halting its offensive in Ukraine.
