A senior official in the Joe Biden government has said India’s increase in Russian oil imports could put New Delhi at a “big risk” as the US prepares to impose sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. . Current US sanctions against Russia do not prevent other countries from buying Russian oil, but such warnings raise fears that the US may try to limit other countries’ purchases to normal levels. Reuters has given this report.
How much oil has India bought from Russia in one and a half months?
The US official’s remarks came during the two-day visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to New Delhi and the ongoing visit of US Deputy National Security Adviser for Economics Dalip Singh. Refiners in India are the world’s third largest oil importer. India has been procuring Russian oil through spot tenders and availing discounts since Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24. India has bought at least 13 million barrels of Russian oil since February 24. Whereas India had procured about 16 million barrels in the year 2021.
US pressure on India?
Reuters quoted US officials as saying that the US has no objection to India buying Russian oil provided it does not buy too much oil compared to last year. Reuters quoted sources as saying that Washington has no problem if India settles trade with Russia in rupees or continues to pay in dollars.
“We continue to pressure the Kremlin to end the war against Ukraine as soon as possible, including strong sanctions on the importance of strong collective action to India and our partners around the world,” a US spokesperson said.
Follow the restrictions or else it can be difficult!
The US official has said that whatever India is doing should be in compliance with the sanctions. If not they are putting themselves at a great risk. As long as they are complying with the restrictions and there is no significant increase in purchases, we have no problem. He has said that we are going to take steps to implement the restrictions over the next several days and weeks. We are asking everyone in the world to make sure you comply with the restrictions. This message is for everyone.