South Africa tour of India 2019
US President Calls India' Shaky' In Russia Confrontation.
US President Joe Biden said Monday that India was an exception among Washington's allies with its "shaky" response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Biden lauded the US-led alliance, including Nato, the EU, and key Asian partners, for its united front against President Vladimir Putin.
This includes unprecedented sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's currency, international trade, and access to high-tech goods.
However, unlike fellow members of the Quad group - Australia, Japan, and the US's - India continues to purchase Russian oil. It has refused to join votes condemning Moscow at the United Nations.
Addressing a meeting of US business leaders in Washington, Biden said there had been "a united front throughout Nato and in the Pacific."
Indian oil refiners have reportedly continued to purchase discounted Russian oil, even as the West seeks to isolate Moscow.
Last week, an Indian govt official said that the world's 3rd-biggest consumer of crude relies on imports for almost 85% of its needs, with Russia supplying a "marginal" less than 1% of this. But "the official added that the jump in oil prices after the Ukraine conflict has added to our challenges... India has to keep focusing on competitive energy sources," the official added.
New Delhi, which historically has had close ties with Moscow, called for an end to violence in Ukraine but has not condemned Russia's invasion, abstaining in 3 votes at the United Nations.
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