US, India downplay discord over buying Russian oil

Hours after President Joe Biden asked India's prime minister not to accelerate the buying of Russian oil following Moscow's military operation, the country's two top diplomats sought to downplay any disagreement over the issue.

Indian Prime Minister Modi made no public commitment to refrain from Russian oil, a source of tension with the U.S. At a press conference late Monday, India's foreign minister, Jaishankar said Europe is a much bigger customer for Russia's oil.

Meeting by video call, Biden told Modi that the U.S. could help India diversify its sources of energy, according to press secretary Jen Psaki.

India continues to purchase Russian energy supplies, despite pressure from Western countries to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. The U.S. has also considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems.