India's import of Russian oil impedes Biden efforts

U.S. President Joe Biden’s campaign to unite the globe against the Russian military operation is being challenged not only by China but also by the world’s most populous democracy, India.

An Indian government official said Friday that the country will increase its imports of Russian oil, allowing it to boost energy supplies at a discount as its economy struggles to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki said "We have been in touch, of course, with Indian leaders at a range of levels"."The rest of the world is watching where you're going to stand, as it relates to this conflict, whether it's support for Russia in any form as they are illegally invading Ukraine".

Although India isn’t alone in buying Russian energy — several European allies such as Germany have continued to do so — the decision conflicts with Biden’s efforts to isolate Russia’s economy with sanctions.