“Energy imports were not banned from Russia and New Delhi was not violating US sanctions.”
Shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual meeting with United States President Joe Biden on Monday (April 11, 2022) the US came out with a statement that energy imports were not banned from Russia and New Delhi was not violating US sanctions.
During the virtual meeting both the leaders exchanged views on several regional and global issues, including conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Addressing a press conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the call between the two leaders was “constructive and direct”.
“This was a constructive call, it was a productive call. It’s a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the president. I would not see it as an adversarial call,” The White House spokesperson added.
“It’s only 1-2 per cent at this point in time. They export 10 per cent from the United States. It is no violation of any sanctions or anything along those lines.”
When asked whether President Biden pushed India to limit Russian energy imports, Psaki said, “Energy imports are not banned and they don’t violate our sanctions. We certainly recognise that every country is going to take a step in their interest.”
She, however, made it clear that President Biden told PM Modi that it was not in India’s interest to increase every import from Russia.
“Beyond that, I’d let Indian leaders speak for themselves,” Psaki said on questions whether the US President was seeking a promise from PM Modi that he wouldn’t look to increase oil purchases from Russia.
“It’s only 1-2 per cent at this point in time. They export 10 per cent from the United States. It is no violation of any sanctions or anything along those lines,” she said.
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