New Delhi, March 14 (Reuters) – India can accept Russian offers to buy crude oil and other commodities with discounts, two Indian officials said, in a sign that Delhi wants to maintain its main trading partner on the ship to isolate Moscow through sanctions.
US officials have said in the past few weeks they want India to cloud himself from Russia as much as possible, while acknowledging its heavy dependence on Moscow for everything from the arms and ammunition of combat jets and combat jets
India has not condemned the invasion of Ukraine and Abstain from voting at the United Nations which calls for Russian aggression. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine “special operations” for demilitarization and “anchor” state.
One person in Indian security forces said the West understood India’s position, given that he needed to maintain a well-supplied armed forces in the midst of territorial disputes with China.
India, which imports 80% of its oil needs, usually only buys around 2-3% of Russia. But with oil prices rose 40% so far this year, the government is looking at this increase if it can help reduce the increase in energy bills.
“Russia offers oil and other commodities with big discounts. We will be happy to take it,” said one of Indian government officials.
The official added that the trade requires preparatory work including transportation, insurance covering and getting the correct blend of crude oil, but after India will take Russia on its offer.