New Delhi : Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the United States has temporarily eased its stance on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, granting a 30-day waiver to Indian refiners to continue importing oil from Russia.
According to Scott Bessent, the United States Department of the Treasury has approved a short-term exemption to ensure the steady flow of crude oil to global energy markets. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, he said the decision aligns with the energy policy of Donald Trump, under which oil and gas production in the United States has reached record levels.
Bessent explained that the temporary waiver for India to buy Russian oil is aimed at maintaining global energy stability during the ongoing crisis in the region. He emphasized that the short duration of the exemption will not provide significant financial gains to the Russian government, as the approval mainly covers oil cargoes already stranded at sea.
The US official also described India as an important strategic partner of the United States and expressed hope that New Delhi will gradually increase its imports of American crude oil in the future. He noted that the interim measure will help ease the pressure created by Iran’s attempts to influence global energy supply chains.
Middle East conflict raises concerns over oil supply
The decision comes at a time when military tensions involving Iran in the Middle East have raised concerns about disruptions in global energy supply. Around 50 percent of India’s crude oil imports pass through the critical shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, making the region extremely important for India’s energy security.
The ongoing attacks and escalating conflict in the region over the past few days have increased fears of possible disruptions to oil shipments through the strategic waterway.
India maintains independent energy policy
India has consistently maintained that it will make energy and foreign policy decisions based on its national interest. During the Russia–Ukraine War, when the United States and NATO imposed sanctions on Russia, India continued purchasing discounted Russian crude oil to secure affordable energy supplies for its growing economy.
The latest 30-day waiver by the United States reflects the complex balance between global energy security, geopolitical tensions, and India’s growing role in the international oil market.