S Jaishankar wraps US over Russian Oil Purchase during bilateral dialogue in Washington, US raises ‘Human Rights’ issue
The 2+2 ministerial dialogue took place with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary Of Defense Lloyd Austin and India's Minister Of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar and Minister Of Defense Rajnath Singh.
At the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue at Washington’s State Department on Monday (April 12), US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken called it a big moment in global affairs, emphasising that the partnership with India would be “more consequential and vital”.
Blinken urged India not to buy additional Russian oil. He said, “When it comes to oil purchases, sanctions, et cetera, I just note that there are carve-outs for energy purchases. Of course, we’re encouraging countries not to purchase additional energy supplies from Russia. Every country is differently situated, has different needs, requirements, but we’re looking to allies and partners not to increase their purchases of Russian energy.”
In response, Minister Of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar said India’s total purchase for the month would be less than what Europe buys in an afternoon.
He said, “If you are looking at energy purchases from Russia, I would suggest that your attention should be focused on Europe, which probably – we do buy some energy which is necessary for our energy security, but I suspect looking at the figures, probably our total purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon.”
Blinken said, “Will continue to increase our support to the government and people of Ukraine and call on other nations to do the same, just as we call on all nations to condemn Moscow’s increasingly brutal actions.” The US Secretary of State also declared that Russia’s war “stands in stark contrast to the vision that the United States and India share for a free and open Indo-Pacific”. He further noted that Moscow’s actions in Kyiv are having consequences across the globe.
“…We are monitoring some recent concerning developments in India, including a rise in human rights abuses by some government, police, and prison officials,” Blinken said.
The Biden administration also has reaffirmed its commitment to support India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and New Delhi’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.
