US Says it will help India in diversifying its energy imports

US Says it will help India in diversifying its energy imports. 

The US underlined its wish that New Delhi does not buy Russian oil due to US sanctions imposed on Moscow for invading Ukraine. 

However, the United States has underlined its opposition to New Delhi maintaining business as usual with Russia amid the ongoing tensions. 

It has stated that it is willing to assist India in diversifying its energy supplies.

“We do not believe India should accelerate or expand imports of Russian energy and other commodities, even though those decisions are decided by individual nations,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a daily press conference.

MORE: Ukraine is trying to evacuate civilians as Russian forces surround the east and south.

“And (the US) is also making clear that we stand ready to help India in any attempts to diversify its imports and serve as a trustworthy supplier, even though they only purchase around 1% to 2% of their oil from Russia,” she said in answer to a question.

Last week, US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh went to New Delhi to meet with Indian authorities on the Russian sanctions.

“We can interact and participate in a variety of ways. Sending our Deputy National Security Advisor is an evident illustration of this. “However, we would certainly like to have a confirmed ambassador,” she stated.

The candidacy of Eric Garcetti, the Mayor of Los Angeles, as US Ambassador to India is stalled in the US Senate since he does not have enough votes to be confirmed.

“We always like to have a confirmed ambassador on the ground.” It’s a crucial diplomatic position to hold. We also communicate with countries via a variety of means. 

And, of course, our deputy national security adviser was just in India a few weeks ago, explaining clearly what the repercussions of breaking sanctions would be and the processes,” Psaki added.

Meanwhile, India’s purchase of cheap oil from Russia has been justified by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

EAM Jaishankar also stated that India is strongly opposed to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

However, he also added that if New Delhi had been picked aside, it would be one of peace and a stop to bloodshed immediately.