The United States reacts to reports that India is considering accepting Russia’s discounted oil offer

*Paromita Das

On Tuesday, March 15, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that India’s oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the US sanctions imposed on that country.

According to recent reports, India intends to purchase “discounted crude oil” from Russia. When asked about it during her briefing, Psaki stated, “Our message to any country remains that obviously abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended.”

“I don’t believe this would be a violation of that,” the White House Press Secretary added. She did, however, make a moral appeal to halt petroleum trade with Russia.

She stated, “Consider where you want to be remembered when the history books are written. Any support for Russia, or the Russian leadership, at this time is support for an invasion that is clearly having a devastating impact “.

US President Joe Biden has prohibited Russia from importing oil, gas, and coal into the United States, but there is no prohibition on other countries importing from Russia. According to reports, the United States’ NATO allies continue to import Russian gas and petroleum.

In the midst of rising oil prices, India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that “discussions are underway” for purchasing oil from Russia, according to news reports. He went on to say that “there are several issues to be addressed, such as how much oil is available,” as well as payment for it and transportation.

Oil prices raised as much as $3 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses.

The Indian rupee strengthened on Wednesday, tracking gains in emerging market assets as global crude oil prices fell.

Most emerging Asian stock markets rose, boosted by a drop in China’s COVID-19 cases and optimism about progress in Russian-Ukraine peace talks.