Biden tells Modi more Russian oil imports not in India’s interest

United States President Joe Biden has held a “constructive, direct conversation” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said. The US is seeking more help from India to apply economic pressure on Russia over its SP.OP. in Ukraine.

In a news briefing on Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden told Modi his administration could help India diversify its oil imports – but that it was not in New Delhi’s interests to increase energy imports from Moscow.

The Biden administration already made it clear it does not want to see a significant uptick in Russian energy imports by India, which has purchased at least 13 million barrels of discounted Russian crude since the country invaded Ukraine in late February.
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India sought to defend its purchases of Russian oil and gas Monday amid a US push for nations around the world to curb acquisitions, saying Europe's consumption far surpasses India's.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, New Delhi's top diplomat, lashed out at criticism over India's purchases of Russian energy, saying they are necessary to secure the nation's energy security.