In an interview with CNN-News18, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said that not just the US but the entire international community wanted countries to buy Russian oil in the middle of the Ukraine War. Garcetti was clarifying his recent remarks that India bought Russian oil because the US wanted someone to buy it to stabilise global prices.
Consistent US Policy on Russian Oil
When questioned on the US stance of having repeatedly raised issues with India’s oil purchases from Russia over the last two years, Garcetti said it had been the consistent policy of the US government that India can purchase Russian oil so that the oil prices can be kept affordable. “We recognise that oil is a necessity for all economies and all people,” he added.
Garcetti said that the purchase was not a violation; instead, it was the design of the policy that aimed to keep oil prices in check. Read more:https://t.co/l5lZS2zXsQ#India #US #Russia #Garcetti
— Statecraft (@statecraftdaily) May 13, 2024
Garcetti further stated that not just India but all countries should try to buy oil at a lower price so that “the Russian Nation wouldn’t be able to pour even more money into a war against the Ukrainian people.” Additionally, he thanked India and other countries for facilitating this strategy.
Amid recent reports that India’s oil imports from Russia hit a nine-month high in April, Garcetti had commented that the US greenlighted India’s purchases. Several people in India raised brows over the remarks, pointing out that the US had time and again threatened India with “consequences” over the import of Russian energy.
Will Clarify Stance on Chabahar Sanctions
Garcetti also commented on recent US remarks regarding the potential threat of sanctions against India over its 10-year Chabahar port deal with Iran. The US had earlier granted India waivers on the project due to its strategic importance. However, recent remarks suggested a change in stance.
The Ambassador said that the current situation in the Middle East, with Iran and its proxy wars of exporting terrorism, should be disturbing to all countries. He added that India is a friend and the US looks at things on a case-by-case basis, but in general, it has a system of sanctions against folks working with Iran. He noted that India will see clarifications in regard to the US stance on its ties with Iran in the future.
"Like in any marriage, strength is shown in how you manage disagreements. US and India are doing it in a very mature and thorough way": @USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti speaks to News18's @abhishekjha157 on Pannun case, Khalistan threat to India, and more
— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 15, 2024
"No group can hold back… pic.twitter.com/vafSucTbKH
Pannun Probe Being Handled “Maturely”
Garcetti said that the strength of the India-US ties is reflected in the two countries’ law enforcement collaboration and cooperation. He further stated that the US takes seriously any threats against Indian diplomats and is working to make sure that people are held accountable for criminal acts.
While refusing to comment on the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun case owing to its “criminal” nature, he said that the agencies of the two countries are working together to combat transnational crimes. He clarified that India and the US are managing their disagreements “maturely” and “thoroughly.” The Ambassador asserted that the issue was an “important line” for the US that could not be crossed if the allegations were correct.
The US had alleged Indian involvement in a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan Sikh separatist leader Pannun. Recent reports have suggested the participation of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officers in the case.