U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video summit on April 11. The two sides exchanged views on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S.-India relations. The next day on April 12, the U.S. , The "2+2 Talks" between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense of India and India. Although Biden did not make specific demands of Modi at the summit, he told Modi that India's world status would not be enhanced by its dependence on Russian energy. Separately, the Associated Press (AP) quoted White House spokeswoman Jen Pesaki as saying: "Biden made it clear to Modi during the talks that accelerated or increased purchases of Russian oil or other products are not in line with the India's interests." However, "Deutsche Welle" (DW) pointed out that Shaqi did not disclose whether Modi had made any commitments on the issue of energy imports, but the United States said it was ready to help India diversify its energy supply sources.
"The U.S. will not set any red lines for India's energy imports from Russia, but also does not want to see a rapid increase in purchases," Reuters reported on March 29, citing White House deputy national security adviser Daleep Singh. Singh had warned at the time: "The United States does not want India to help the depreciating ruble rebound. The ruble fell immediately after the war started, but has recovered in recent days." In addition, before the Biden-Modi summit, India, as the world's three largest oil importers and consumers, purchased a large amount of oil from Russia at lower Shadow Making than market prices since the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to Reuters , India has purchased at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February 2022. The data shows that recent purchases have a substantial increase compared to the 16 million barrels in 2021.
"The Associated Press" also disclosed that India's purchase price of oil, 20% lower than the global benchmark price. Whether it is India's neutral stance on the Russian-Ukrainian war, or India's large-scale purchase of Russian oil since the start of the war, it has caused quite a headache for the Biden administration. Dialogue" (Quad) member countries, but the position is very different from that of the United States. The Biden administration takes India’s position seriously. Not long ago, Biden called India the most “unstable” member of the Quad with regard to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden is worried that India's large purchase of Russian oil will ease the impact of Western energy sanctions on Russia, and even worry that India's "help in the snow" move may further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Russia.