US does not see India taking up Russia's offer of discounted crude oil to be a violation of American sanctions but thinks New Delhi may end up being on the “wrong side of history” if it goes ahead with the purchase.
India is considering the offer in the backdrop of European countries also continuing to purchase oil and gas as they are an absolute necessity for their economies.
"Our message to any country continues to be that abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference on Tuesday (local time).
Asked about a report on the possibility that India could take up the Russian offer of discounted crude oil, Psaki said, "I don't believe this would be violating that (sanctions)."
"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," Psaki added.
India has not supported the Russian military operation against Ukraine and has consistently asked all stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue. It has, however, abstained in all United Nations resolutions against Russia.
The Biden administration has shown an understanding of India's strategic dependence on Russian military supplies for national security, which has become even more crucial at a time when China has amassed troops on the Indian border.
India, imports over 80% of its crude requirement and due to the sharp increase in international oil prices its economic growth is likely to get impacted.
Availability of Russian crude at a discount would help the country to conserve resources for much-needed investment in infrastructure sector and social welfare schemes while also preventing inflation from spinning out of control.
Russia is keen to increase its oil and petroleum product exports to India. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak conveyed to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday. According to a statement issued by the Russian government, Mr. Puri spoke to Mr. Novak about the possibilities of strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership in the energy sector.
“Russia’s oil and petroleum product exports to India have approached $1 billion, and there are clear opportunities to increase this figure,” said a statement issued in Moscow about the telephone call, which, it said, discussed “current and potential joint projects in the fuel and energy industry and noted that current projects continue to be steadily implemented.”
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