Ukraine war: Why the Quad’s OK with India, not China, giving Russia economic support

The muted response to India buying discounted Russian oil – in contrast to China buying its wheat – is more than just a double standard, analysts say

It reflects a desire among the US and its allies to preserve India’s position in the regional security framework and prevent Moscow getting closer to Beijing

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A flame burns atop a tower at an oilfield in Siberia. India is forging ahead with plans to buy discounted Russian oil. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:15pm, 23 Mar 2022Updated: 9:43pm, 23 Mar 2022

As the US, Japan and Australia harden their stance on Russia for waging war on Ukraine, the fourth member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue continues to be the odd one out.

India has not only refused to condemn its long-time defence partner for invading a sovereign nation – choosing instead to support calls for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution while delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine – it is also forging ahead with fresh purchases of discounted Russian crude oil.

When China made a similar move by announcing last month that it was open to Russian wheat imports, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison later accused Beijing of throwing Moscow an “economic lifeline.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a December meeting in New Delhi. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS

Yet no such criticism has been directed at India by its Quad partners for continuing to work with Russia. In recent days, both Japan and Australia did press New Delhi to take a tougher line against Moscow – but the United States, which has banned all Russian oil imports, said it understood India’s “economic reasoning” for not doing likewise.

Analysts said this apparent double standard was more nuanced than it first appeared – stemming from a desire to preserve India’s position in the regional security framework, and prevent Moscow “drifting” further towards Beijing.

A delicate balance

Russia accounts for less than 3 per cent of India’s oil imports, most of which come from the Middle East. Delhi is heavily dependent on Moscow for weaponry, however – importing around 60 per cent of its arms from Russia, which it also relies on for maintenance and spare parts.