External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US President Joe Biden.

Washington:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that India's total purchase of oil from Russia in a month is probably less than Europe's purchase in an afternoon.

Jaishankar was addressing a joint press conference with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh along with his US counterparts Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Minister Lloyd Austin after the conclusion of the 2+2 ministerial meeting.

Asked about India's oil purchases from Russia, S Jaishankar told a reporter, "I see you are referring to oil purchases. If you are looking at energy purchases from Russia, I would suggest that your The focus should also be on Europe. We buy some energy, which is essential for our energy security but I doubt the numbers, maybe our total purchases in a month will be less than what we bought in one afternoon in Europe."

Jaishankar said India has made several statements (on the Russia-Ukraine war) which underscore its position in the United Nations, Indian Parliament and other forums.

He said, "And in short, those conditions show that we are against conflict. We are in favor of dialogue and diplomacy. We want an immediate end to violence, and we want to contribute in any way possible to these objectives." are ready for."

The White House has also come to India's defense on the issue of oil purchases, noting that its total purchases are only a couple of per cent less than the 10 per cent from the United States.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether "Prime Minister Modi reiterated any commitment to the US President not to accelerate or increase oil imports from Russia," she said, "I will blame Prime Minister Modi and the Indians on that." I will ask you to speak

Again, this time it is only 1 to 2 percent.

They import 10 percent from the United States.

It is not a violation of any restriction or anything on that lines.

It was a constructive, direct conversation but I would ask him to speak his mind."

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that Biden said during a digital meeting with Prime Minister Modi that it is not in India's interest to accelerate or increase its oil imports from Russia. He told reporters in his daily press conference soon after that the talks were constructive and relations with India are very important for the US and the President.

He said, "Oil imports from the United States are already significant - it's much bigger than what we're getting from Russia. We, of course - the president said very clearly that it's not in his interest to increase it but Beyond that, I will let the Indian leaders have their say."


US President Joe Biden on Monday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is not in India's interest to increase oil purchases from Russia and that he is ready to help India further diversify energy imports.

The White House has given this information.