US President Biden tries to persuade Indian Prime minister to stop buying Russian oil in virtual meet

Biden met with Modi ahead of the US-India 2+2 Ministerial between the US secretary of state and defense and their Indian counterparts.

In a briefing to the reporters, the White House press secretary, Jen Psaki says the leaders had a “constructive and productive” conversation.

The white house outlined its objectives ahead of the meet in a statement saying President Biden will continue consultation’s on “consequences of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine”.

US officials say that Biden offered to help India diversify their sources of importing oil, urging India to take a stronger position against Russia.

In an open dialogue that fell short of a concrete ask, Biden also conveyed that buying more oil from Russia was not in India’s Best Interest.

While Modi didn’t make any concrete statement regarding India’s energy imports from Moscow, he condemned the Bucha Killings and said that India has sent medicines and other aid to Ukraine and it’s neighboring countries,

“We have also emphasized the importance of the security of civilians in Ukraine and the unhindered supply of humanitarian assistance to them,” said PM Modi.

A senior administration official from the white house says the hour long conversation was candid and discussed a “range of bilateral and global issues” alongside focusing on building their partnership.

“They also committed to continue cooperation… on ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening global health security, advancing global food security, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” says the White House in a statement.

PM Modi talked of the US-India partnership saying they are natural partners as world’s largest and oldest democracies.

Rijul Baath contributed to this report