New Delhi: The Congress party on Friday criticised the central government after the United States announced a temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to continue purchasing Russian oil for a limited period. The opposition questioned India’s position in the arrangement and asked how long the country would face what it described as “American pressure” over its energy choices.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who serves as the party’s general secretary in charge of communications, took a dig at the development through a rhyming post in Hindi on social media platform X. In the post, he mocked the move as a “new game” by US President Donald Trump and asked how long such “American blackmail” would persist.
The remarks came after Washington said it would allow a 30-day exemption enabling Indian companies to buy Russian crude. The measure was announced amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran that have unsettled global energy markets.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was intended to ensure stability in oil supply chains during a period of uncertainty. According to him, the United States has significantly increased its oil and gas production, helping support global markets at a time when supply disruptions are a concern.
Bessent explained that the exemption was designed as a short-term step and would not generate substantial financial gains for Russia. He said the approval only applies to oil shipments that were already in transit and stranded at sea.
He also described India as a crucial partner for the United States and expressed confidence that New Delhi would gradually expand purchases of American energy. The temporary relaxation, he added, was meant to reduce pressure caused by the ongoing regional tensions affecting global energy flows.
The development follows earlier trade and energy tensions between Washington and New Delhi. At one stage, the Trump administration had imposed punitive tariffs of 25 per cent on India, arguing that the country’s purchases of Russian crude indirectly supported Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
However, last month the two countries announced a framework for an interim trade agreement. As part of that understanding, the US administration removed the tariffs after India signalled its intention to reduce dependence on Russian energy and increase imports from American suppliers.
The Congress party’s criticism highlights the political debate in India over balancing international partnerships with the country’s energy security needs. With global oil markets under pressure, the issue of sourcing affordable crude continues to remain a sensitive topic in domestic politics as well as foreign policy.
