US reiterates not to purchase Russian oil; India responds in harsh language

NEW DELHI: The partnership with India is very important, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington, last day. The US also urged India not to buy oil 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”, Blinken said.

However, India's total purchase of oil from Russia in a month is probably less than what Europe does in an afternoon, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “We do buy some energy, which is necessary for our energy security”, he added. US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were also present in the meeting.

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, countries such as the US, European Union and Britain had imposed economic sanctions on Russia, the second largest oil exporting country in the world. As a result, several countries stopped their oil imports from Russia. With this, Russia came forward offering huge oil discounts for India. Oil companies like Indian Oil, Mangalore Refinery and BPCL have already booked the Russian oil at discount rates.