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BIG STORY APRIL 22, 2022 | The Indian Eye 4

IndIa-us dIaLogue

STRESS TEST?

the russia-ukraine conflict has put new delhi’s relationship with washington under some pressure.

even as the two countries move forward with 2+2 dialogue, can they agree on the import of

russian oil and the human rights situation in India?

OuR BuREAu
Washington, DC/New York
he US-India 2+2 Ministerial
Dialogue between Secretary
Tof State Antony Blinken and
Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin
and External Affairs Minister Dr S
Jaishankar and Defence Minister Ra-
jnath Singh held in Washington this
week. Then, Prime Minister Naren-
dra Modi held a virtual meeting with
United States President Joe Biden
wherein both the leaders had an ex-
tensive exchange of views on several
regional and global issues, such as the
Ukraine situation and the Indo-Pacif-
ic region.
Later, External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar said that he held a discus-
sion with US Secretary of State Ant-
ony Blinken on several issues includ-
ing the ongoing war in Ukraine, the
situation in Afghanistan, challenges
pertaining to the Indo-Pacific region u.S President Joe Biden virtually interacts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during India-uS Summit at the White House in Washington DC
and a range of key bilateral issues.
Delivering his statement after on Monday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and uS Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III were also
the conclusion of the fourth In- presents (President Biden Twitter/ANI Photo)
dia-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue,
he said, “A good part of my meeting made in the defence ties between the of India’s purchase of Russian oil, S Jen Psaki said the call between the
with Secretary Blinken in the morn- two countries and also appreciated Jaishankar on Monday said India’s two leaders was “constructive and
ing went to the ongoing conflict in ties in the field of counterterrorism total purchases of Russian oil for one direct”. Answering a question on
Ukraine that has many ramifications. and maritime security. month were less than what Europe whether Biden pushed India to limit
Even countries far away are worried On the issue of economic ties, does in one afternoon. Answering a Russian energy, Psaki said, “Ener-
about food security, energy security Jaishankar said both trade and in- question about India’s import of Rus- gy imports are not banned and they
and commodities prices and logistics vestment are steadily growing. “The sian oil, Jaishankar said, “If you’re don’t violate our sanctions. We cer-
disruption.” economic side of the story is partic- looking at (India’s)energy purchases tainly recognise that every country is
Jaishankar informed India-US ularly significant. Both trade and from Russia, I’d suggest your atten- going to take a step in their interest.”
also discussed ways to ensure a free, investment are steadily growing. We tion should be on Europe. We buy However, Psaki during a press
open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. A have had discussions on both of them some energy necessary for our ener- briefing, said Biden told PM Modi
strategic partnership like those be- as also on connectively, infrastruc- gy security. But I suspect, looking at that it’s not in India’s interest to in-
tween India-US, Jaishankar said is ture, digital issues, climate action figures, our purchases for the month crease every import from Russia.
built through shared interest, com- and energy. Our shared activities in would be less than what Europe does India, the world’s third-largest
mon values and constant nurturing. space, science and technology, and in an afternoon.” oil consumer and importer, imports
“It is natural that each of us will bring health are also noteworthy. We see Meanwhile, the United States 80 per cent of its oil, but only about
to the relationship our particular per- our cooperation as having a larger on Monday said that energy imports 2 per cent to 3 per cent of those pur-
spectives, experiences and priorities.” relevance for the Indo-Pacific.” are not banned from Russia and New chases come from Russia.
Terming the “report card” of the But there are issues where India Delhi is not violating US sanctions. Another issue where New Delhi
India-US bilateral ties impressive, and the US have sharp differences. During Monday’s press confer- and Washington seem to have some
the minister noted the great strides In a strong response to criticism ence, White House Press Secretary Continued at next page... >>

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