The White House has stated that India taking up Russia’s offer of discounted crude oil would not be a violation of American sanctions. “Our message to any country remains the same: comply with the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at her regular press briefing on Tuesday.
“I don’t believe this would be breaching that (sanctions),” Psaki said when asked about a report that India would take up Russia’s offer of discounted crude oil.
Jen Psaki on if India accepts Russian oil at a reduced costs: “[T]hink about where you want to stand when the history books are written in this moment in time, and support for the Russian leadership is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact.” pic.twitter.com/M8AqWaEjol
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) March 15, 2022
“However, consider where you want to stand when history books are written in the future. Support for Russian leadership “means support for an invasion that is clearly having a disastrous effect,” Psaki added. India has expressed its opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi has repeatedly urged all parties involved to work out their concerns through discussion. It has, however, voted against Russia in all UN Security Council decisions.
Officials from White House were responding to India’s stand on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Officials from the Biden administration have shown an understanding of India’s stance, telling lawmakers that New Delhi’s national security is heavily reliant on Russian military supply. Dr. Ami Bera, an Indian-American Congressman, expressed dismay over news that India is considering purchasing Russian oil at a deep cost.
“If allegations are correct, and India decides to buy Russian oil at a reduced price, New Delhi will be siding with Vladimir Putin at a critical juncture in history, when countries all over the globe are united in support of the Ukrainian people and in opposition to Russia’s terrible invasion,” he stated. “As the world’s greatest democracy and the Quad’s leader, India must guarantee that its actions do not directly or indirectly assist Putin and his invasion,” Bera said in a statement.