LONDON (CU)_Over the past few weeks, countries across the globe have ramped up their efforts to inflict maximum economic pain on Moscow over its recent decision to invade Russia. State authorities, together with intergovernmental associations, imposed sanctions on Russian government officials, entities and oligarchs over their involvement in the escalating conflict in Ukraine, while hundreds of multinational firms, from McDonald’s to Apple and Shell, are either exiting or cutting their investments in the transcontinental nation. Meanwhile, India has avoided criticising Moscow’s so-called ‘special military operation’, and Britain, this week, broke silence on the approach taken by New Delhi regarding the matter.
The South Asian nation’s efforts to steer clear of commenting on the ongoing conflict in Europe and its decision to abstain from voting on a United Nations resolution calling out Russia’s aggression triggered frustration among its western allies, including the United States. Fuelling their concern even further, two Indian officials revealed earlier this week that Delhi may take up an offer made by Moscow to supply crude oil and other commodities at a discount, as more countries look to lower their dependence on Russian exports.
Commenting on this approach taken by India, British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said Britain was very disappointed, but confirmed that London intends to continue to work with countries in order to ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin is “unable to fund this war in the future”. In January this year, Britain launched talks with India over a free trade agreement, which both parties aim to reach his year. When inquired if the South Asian nation’s stance towards Russia would have an impact on these trade discussions, Minister Trevelyan said: “We are very disappointed, but we continue to work with Indian partners and hope that their views will change.” She noted that with India being an “incredibly important” trading for Britain, both sides could yield benefit from the talks.
