2+2 meeting: US goes easy on India's energy purchase from Russia

New Delhi: India-US 2+2 ministerial talks reportedly covered wide range of issues against the backdrop of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, there was not an instance of overt pressuring of India by US to toe the US line in international relations.

During his talk with Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken reportedly urged India not to buy additional Russian oil.

Appearing like going easy on India, he said USA was encouraging countries not to purchase additional energy supplies from Russia.

He added that every country had different needs and requirements but USA was looking for allies and partners not to increase their energy purchases from Russia.

India's Minister Of External Affairs was quick to counter Blinken saying India's total purchase for the month would be less than Europe's purchase for one afternoon.

Considering energy purchases, he suggested US administration focus on Europe's purchase from Russia.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday that energy purchase from Russia were not banned and would not violate US' sanctions amid the war.

Jen Psaki made the comments at a press conference shortly after the virtual meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

When asked if India was told to limit its energy imports from Russia, Jen Psaki said India' oil imports from Russia was only 1-2 per cent at this point, and added that energy imports would not violate US' sanctions.

Jen Psaki also said the talks between US President Joe Biden and PM Modi had been constructive and productive, and went on to say the relationship with India was vital to the US.