Biden talks to India’s Modi as US presses for tougher stance on Russia

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden will meet virtually with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and is expected to discuss Russia Invades Ukrainea conflict in which India remained neutral.

In a statement Sunday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden will “continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia’s devastating war against Ukraine and minimize the impact.” its destabilizing effects on global food supplies and commodity markets.”

India continues to buy oil products from Russia despite moves by the US and Europe to restrict or ban the import of such energy supplies. Last month, the state-run Petroleum Corporation of India bought 3 million barrels crude oil from Russia to secure its needs, against demands from the West to avoid such purchases.

However, India is not alone in purchasing Russian energy. Some European allies such as Germany have continued to do so, despite public pressure to terminate these contracts.

US and British officials visited New Delhi earlier this month and pressed India to denounce Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, praising Modi’s government for looking at the war in Ukraine “the whole truth” and not taking a “one-sided view.”

Lavrov also said that Russia would be “ready to supply India with any goods that India wants to buy”.

Recently, India was one of 58 countries that abstained in the United Nations General Assembly’s vote on suspend Russia The 47-member Human Rights Council accused the Russian military of committing war crimes in Ukraine.

Psaki said Biden and Modi will also discuss cooperation on the Covid pandemic, climate change, the global economy and security issues in the Indo-Pacific.

Biden last spoke to Modi in March. Their virtual chat will precede the meetings Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will have with their Indian counterparts.

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