On Monday, President Joe Biden will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he encourages international leaders to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The United States is concerned about India's impartial approach in the battle, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised India last month for analyzing "the issue in its whole, not only in a one-sided approach."
Biden, Modi To Meet Virtually
India recently abstained when the United Nations General Assembly decided to suspend Russia's membership in the 47-member Human Rights Council amid claims that Russian forces in Ukraine committed human rights breaches that the US and Ukraine have labeled war crimes.
With 58 abstentions, the result was 93-24. Biden will discuss the repercussions of Russia's assault on Ukraine "and reducing its destabilizing influence on global food supply and commodities markets" in the virtual conference, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
They'll talk about "strengthening the global economy and supporting a free, open, rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity," she added.
Biden and Modi will also discuss a range of issues, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, combating the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, according to Psaki.
Despite pressure from Western countries to stop importing Russian oil and gas, India continues to acquire Russian energy supplies. India's recent acquisition of powerful Russian air defense systems has also prompted the US to contemplate penalties, as per CBS News.
US Expresses Willingness To Help India in Energy, Defense Suppliers
Last month, the state-run Indian Oil Corporation purchased 3 million barrels of Russian oil to meet its demands, defying Western pressure to avoid such purchases. However, India isn't the only country that buys Russian electricity. Despite public pressure to terminate these contracts, certain European allies, such as Germany, have continued to do so.
The South Asian nation has attempted to strike a balance between its connections with Russia and the West, but it has not placed sanctions on Russia, unlike the other members of the Quad - the United States, Japan, and Australia.
Despite increased purchases from the United States in the last decade, Russia has long been India's largest supplier of defense equipment. According to defense specialists, Russian supplies are more cost-effective and essential for India, which is up against a better Chinese force.
During his visit, Daleep Singh stated that the US was willing to assist India in diversifying its energy and defense suppliers. India is the third-largest oil importer and user in the world, Reuters via MSN reported. He also warned that the US does not want its allies to assist in resurrecting the rouble, which plummeted after the war began but has since recovered.
As it prepares for a big Russian onslaught in the country's east, Ukraine said on Sunday that it is seeking another round of European Union sanctions against Moscow as well as amore military help from its allies. Since its invasion on February 24, Russia has failed to conquer any major cities, but Ukraine claims it has been assembling forces in the east in preparation for a major attack and has encouraged residents to escape.
According to Psaki, Biden and Modi will discuss cooperation on a variety of issues, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, combating the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and maintaining a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Per The Telegraph India, the leaders will also advance current discussions on developing an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure, according to the White House, in an effort to curb China's increasing influence in the area through infrastructure.
On Monday, Jaishankar and defense minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Washington for the fourth edition of the 2+2 dialogue with their counterparts, which comes at a time when India has publicly distanced itself from the US in relation to Russia, refusing to pick a side in a throwback to Nehruvian strategic independence.
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