Rep. Ami Bera Unhappy with India’s Stance on Ukraine Invasion

India-West Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON, DC – With India shopping for energy and oil at discounts from Russia to offset the steep climb of gasoline prices in the domestic market, eyebrows have been raised around the world.

Some are viewing it as India’s reward for not condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Over here, Indian American member of the House of Representatives, Ami Bera, said that if “India makes this decision to buy Russian oil at a discounted price, New Delhi would be choosing to side with Vladimir Putin at a pivotal moment in history when countries across the world are united in support of the Ukrainian people and against Russia’s deadly invasion.”

Bera, who heads the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, said, “As the senior Indian American Member of Congress, I was deeply disappointed in India’s abstention from the United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

“Despite India’s long history defending its own border from outside aggression, New Delhi has chosen to remain silent on (Russian President) Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of a free and sovereign country,” he said.

He added, “Even worse, India is now reportedly looking to bypass international sanctions and buy Russian oil at a steeply discounted rate, potentially giving Putin an economic lifeline at a time when the Russian economy is reeling from international sanctions.”

On Mar.16, Bera tweeted, a picture of Ukranian President Zelensky addressing Congress and said, “Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa delivered a powerful and sobering address to Members of Congress this morning. We must continue to support the people of #Ukraine in the fight for their freedoms and sovereignty, including by providing military and humanitarian assistance.”

(with inputs from IANS)