Biden calls India’s stance on Russian invasion ‘somewhat hesitant’

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that only India among the US allies is an exception to its reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At a time when the rest of Quad’s countries – the United States, Japan and Australia – have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Russia, India has not done the same and has not even condemned Moscow for invading Ukraine.

“In response to this aggression, we have a common front in NATO and the Pacific,” Biden told a business forum yesterday.

“Quad – with the exception of India, which is somewhat hesitant on some issues – but Japan’s reaction was extremely strong, as was Australia’s response to the (Russian President Vladimir Putin)’s aggressive action.”

The Russian president “relies on his ability to divide NATO,” but instead “NATO has never been stronger, more united in its history,” Biden said.

After a teleconference between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Indian counterpart Narendra Monti on Monday, the Indian Foreign Ministry announced that Australia understands India’s position on Ukraine.

Although India has strengthened its ties with the United States in recent years and needs Quad support, it is still dependent on arms and ammunition markets from Russia, at a time when it is at odds with China on its common border. in the Himalayas and in the midst of constant strife with Pakistan.

India is also considering buying more Russian oil at a preferential price, with two Indian state-owned companies recently ordering 5 million barrels.

Indian analysts and government officials point out that European countries also buy oil and gas from Russia.

SOURCE: AMPE

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