Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, released the following statement on reports of India considering buying Russian oil at a discounted rate.

"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 Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of a free and sovereign country.

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.

If reports are accurate and 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.

As the world's largest democracy, and as a leader of the Quad, India has a responsibility to ensure its actions do not directly or indirectly support Putin and his invasion."

Representative Bera is the longest serving Indian American Member of Congress and serves on the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.