Australia Applauds Reliance’s Commitment to Non-Russian Oil Supply

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has expressed strong support for Reliance Industries’ recent decision to supply Australia with crude oil that does not include any Russian content. This announcement marks a significant step for Australia as it seeks to distance itself from Russian oil amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Green emphasized the importance of this move during a statement to ANI, highlighting the ethical implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In his remarks, Green noted that Australia has fully sanctioned the import of Russian oil, making Reliance’s commitment particularly timely. “We are very pleased that Reliance has made clear earlier this week… it will only be supplying oil free of Russian content for Australia,” he stated. Reliance Industries has been a dominant supplier of oil to Australia, and the decision to ensure that its future shipments are devoid of Russian crude is seen as a positive development.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Green also spoke about the growing cooperation between India and Australia, particularly in areas such as sports, critical minerals, and regional security. He described the current state of bilateral relations as being at its “highest order,” underscoring the significance of the annual Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue. This dialogue serves as a crucial platform for both governments to address bilateral, regional, and global issues.

Highlighting the strong working relationship, Green pointed out that India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has met with his Australian counterpart more frequently than any other foreign minister, totaling 26 meetings, including one just yesterday. A key focus of their discussions has been on enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, an area where Australia holds a substantial advantage, producing over half of the world’s lithium.

In this context, Green mentioned ongoing discussions to support India’s ambitions in electric vehicles and battery production. He pointed to a partnership between Australia’s Critical Minerals Office and Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), which aims to identify critical lithium and cobalt projects to bolster India’s industry.

Commitment to Regional Stability

Green reaffirmed Australia’s dedication to the Quad alliance, emphasizing the need for stable and reliable partnerships in an increasingly competitive world. “We live in a world which is more competitive and more disrupted… you need stable, reliable partners,” he remarked, reinforcing the Quad’s role in promoting stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Looking ahead, Green confirmed that Australia is eager for the upcoming Quad Summit in India, stating that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is keen to participate as soon as schedules allow. The ongoing dialogue and cooperative efforts between Australia and India signal a strong commitment to mutual interests and security in the region.