The United States cautions on Thursday that countries actively attempting to “circumvent or backfill” American sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine would face consequences, and that it would not welcome a “rapid” increase in India’s imports of Russian energy and other commodities.
Referring to the “no boundaries” alliance between Moscow and Beijing, visiting US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said India could not expect Russia to defend it if China crosses the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Following a series of talks with Indian counterparts, notably Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, he stated that the United States does not want any country to engage in financial transactions with the Russian central bank.
Mr. Singh stated that India’s present energy imports from Russia do not breach any US sanctions, but added that Washington would prefer to see its friends and partners find methods to minimize their reliance on an “unreliable supply.”
The US Deputy National Security Advisor, who played a significant role in the development of American sanctions on Russia, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a two-day visit amid growing concern among Western powers about India’s failure to condemn Russia’s war on Ukraine.
He told a small group of reporters, “We would not like to see methods that are geared to prop up the rouble, weaken the dollar-based financial system, or bypass our financial sanctions.”
His remarks came on the same day that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov landed in India for a two-day visit that is expected to include talks about a Rouble-Rupee payment system for bilateral trade, including New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
“What we don’t want to see is a significant increase in India’s energy imports from Russia, or any other exports that the US or other components of the international sanctions framework now prevent,” he added.
Mr. Singh was questioned about India’s plan to buy oil from Russia at a reduced price.
The administration has not responded to the statements made by the US Deputy National Security Advisor.
“I’ve come here in a friendly attitude to explain the procedures behind our penalties and the necessity of joining us in expressing shared commitment and advancing common goals. Yes, nations who deliberately seek to bypass or backfill these restrictions will face repercussions “he stated
He stated that the US is ready to assist India in addressing its energy and defense needs. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the two sides addressed India-US economic cooperation and strategic collaboration after meetings between Mr. Shringla and Mr. Singh.
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