US calls India ‘good actors’ on Russian oil purchase
The United States clarified why it allowed India to buy Russian oil despite ongoing tariff tensions. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision came after discussions with US President Donald Trump and the US Treasury Department. She described India as a reliable partner and called the country “good actors” for earlier reducing purchases of sanctioned Russian oil. Washington said India had cooperated with global sanctions in the past. Because of this cooperation, the US decided to temporarily permit the oil purchase during the current global energy disruption.
Temporary waiver to address global oil supply gap
The White House said the decision aims to ease the global oil shortage caused by rising tensions in West Asia. According to Leavitt, the Russian oil shipments headed to India were already at sea when the decision was taken. She said these shipments would not provide significant financial benefit to Russia. The US government believes the waiver will help stabilize global supply in the short term. Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also confirmed the policy change and said the US allowed India to accept Russian oil to maintain supply stability in the global market.
Tariff dispute and US-India trade negotiations
The decision comes at a time when trade tensions between the US and India remain sensitive. Under Trump’s earlier tariff measures, India faced duties that rose to nearly 50 percent. Washington linked those tariffs to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude. However, both countries later announced progress on a new trade framework. Following the negotiations, the US reduced tariffs on Indian goods to around 18 percent. The White House said India showed willingness to reconsider Russian oil imports during talks. Still, New Delhi has not officially promised to stop buying Russian oil.
West Asia conflict raises global energy concerns
The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has created serious concerns in global energy markets. Iran warned that it could close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes. Nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas supply passes through this narrow waterway. Major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates depend on this route. Because of these risks, India has started reviewing its energy strategy. The government has increased LPG production and prioritized domestic consumption to protect fuel supply for its 1.4 billion people.
