Condemn Putin for attacking Ukraine, calls on US lawmakers group

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on India to raise its voice against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Along with the request to take initiative for peace in Ukraine, these MPs also asked that India oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin. The lawmakers, led by US lawmaker Joe Wilson and Indian-American lawmaker Ro Khanna, discussed the matter with India's ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Khanna appreciated Wilson's involvement in the discussion with Sandhu. He urged India to raise its voice against the targeting of civilians in Ukraine. He said in a tweet,

India's friends from both the parties are urging him to use his influence for peace. MP Wilson tweeted, 'It is important that world leaders condemn the atrocities committed by Putin in Ukraine.

This is the second time in two days that US lawmakers have urged India to condemn Russia for its military offensive against Ukraine. A day earlier, two US lawmakers Ted W Liu and Tom Malinowski urged India to condemn Russia. These MPs had said in a letter to Sandhu that we understand India's friendship with Russia, but are disappointed by India's absence at the time of voting in the United Nations General Assembly on March 2.

Criticism of buying oil from Russia

Earlier this week, Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera also expressed disappointment over India's absence at the United Nations to vote against Russia. What is worse, Bera said, is that India is now reportedly buying oil from Russia at reduced rates, bypassing international sanctions. It is a kind of life-giving to Putin, as Russia's economy is grappling with international sanctions.