'India Somewhat Shaky On Russia' Among QUAD Members, Says US President Biden

United States President Joe Biden stated on Monday that India was the only member of the QUAD alliance with a ‘somewhat shaky’ stance towards Russia, noting that it has not yet condemned Russia’s “invasion” of Ukraine.

He said that the US and NATO was presenting a “united front” on this issue in the affected region and in the Pacific:

“The Quad – with the possible exception of India being somewhat shaky on some of these – but Japan has been extremely strong, so is Australia in terms of dealing with Putin’s aggression.”

The US had earlier reacted to India’s decision to purchase discounted Russian oil by urging it to consider ‘history books of the future’. India had also reacted to criticism of the move by saying that it did not require ‘lectures from oil sufficient countries’ on how to manage its needs.

Japan and Australia, India’s partners in the QUAD alliance, have also commented on India’s position on Russia’s military action in Ukraine. In a virtual summit with Prime Minister Modi, his Australian counterpart said that it “understood India’s position”. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, on the other hand, said during his visit on Saturday that a clear response was warranted as Russia’s actions have shaken the “foundation of international order”.

As of now, India has urged ‘dialogue and diplomacy’ at the United Nations and has chosen to abstain on votes on the issue.