The congress party on Friday sharply criticised the Central government after the United States granted India a temporary 30-day waiver to purchase Russian Oil shipments that are currently stranded at sea due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The opposition alleged that the move exposed India’s increasing dependence on Washington’s approval for its energy decisions.
The waiver comes at a time when global oil markets are facing significant uncertainty amid the ongoing geopolitical conflict involving the United States and Iran. According to officials familiar with the development, the decision by Washington is aimed at stabilising international energy supplies and preventing further disruptions to oil markets.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera reacted strongly to the development and questioned the Centre’s position on purchasing Russian crude oil. He accused the government of failing to provide clarity on India’s Energy policy and suggested that the United States appeared to be dictating the country’s strategic decisions.
“Yesterday, we had asked Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to clarify India’s stance on buying Russian oil. Interestingly, the clarification arrived today — albeit from the United States,” Khera wrote in a post on social media platform X.
He further remarked that the permission to buy Russian oil appeared to be temporary and implied that India’s energy security should not rely on approval from another country. In a controversial statement, Khera also used the phrase “gangs of Epstein” while criticising Washington.
“India, a sovereign nation of 1.4 billion people, has been reduced to a client state whose energy security depends on the approval of Donald Trump. It is shocking that a group in Washington now appears to decide what India can or cannot do. What a disgrace,” he wrote.
The reference to “gangs of Epstein” alludes to records connected with the investigation into late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in which the name of former US President Donald Trump reportedly appeared in certain documents related to the case.
30-Day US Waiver Allows India to Purchase Russian Oil
The waiver granted by the United States allows Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil shipments that were already loaded onto tankers before the latest Sanctions were implemented. These shipments had remained stranded at sea after buyers backed out due to tightening restrictions on Russian energy exports.
Officials explained that the temporary exemption is designed to prevent additional stress on the Global energy supply chain while geopolitical tensions remain high. By allowing these shipments to be sold to India within a limited time frame, the US hopes to maintain stability in international oil markets.
| Key Detail | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Waiver Duration | 30 days granted by the United States |
| Purpose | To prevent disruption in global oil supply during geopolitical tensions |
| Eligible Shipments | Russian oil cargoes already loaded onto tankers before new sanctions |
| Main Beneficiary | Indian oil refiners who can purchase stranded shipments |
| Global Impact | Aims to stabilise oil markets amid Middle East conflict |
India’s Growing Reliance on Russian Crude Oil
Since Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia following the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. The price advantage has made Russia one of India’s largest oil suppliers in recent years.
Energy analysts note that India’s decision to import Russian crude has helped domestic refiners secure cheaper supplies while also supporting the country’s growing energy demand. However, it has also drawn scrutiny from Western governments that have attempted to restrict Russia’s energy revenues.
Despite such pressure, India has consistently maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national interest and economic considerations.
US Calls India an ‘Essential Partner’
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described India as an “essential partner” for Washington and said the temporary waiver was a practical step to ensure that global oil markets remain stable.
Bessent explained that the move was partly aimed at countering what he described as Iran’s attempts to disrupt global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“To keep oil flowing into the global market, the United States is issuing a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” Bessent said.
He also clarified that the exemption applies only to cargoes already at sea and does not significantly benefit Russia financially. According to him, Washington expects India to increase purchases of American crude oil in the future as energy cooperation between the two countries expands.
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