Washington/New Delhi: The United States has encouraged India to purchase Russian crude oil shipments currently waiting at sea and divert them to Indian refineries as a temporary measure to stabilise global energy markets. The proposal aims to reduce concerns about potential supply shortages and rising oil prices amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Speaking in a television interview, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he and Scott Bessent had discussed the matter with Indian officials. According to Wright, several cargoes of Russian oil were already floating offshore and awaiting unloading at refineries in China.
He suggested that instead of remaining idle for weeks, those shipments could be redirected to India to ease fears in the global oil market. Wright said such a move would help address immediate supply anxieties and limit sudden price spikes.
The US official clarified that the suggestion should not be interpreted as a shift in Washington’s stance toward Russia. He emphasised that the proposal was purely a short-term, practical step intended to calm the market during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The discussion comes at a time when energy markets have been under pressure due to the conflict in West Asia, including tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The situation has raised concerns about disruptions to global oil flows and price volatility.
Meanwhile, Mike Waltz defended the decision to temporarily allow Indian refiners to receive Russian oil cargoes already in transit. He said the measure is designed to address immediate supply concerns rather than alter broader geopolitical strategies.
According to US officials, the move forms part of a limited waiver allowing India to purchase Russian crude that had already been loaded onto vessels before a specified date. The authorisation remains valid for a short period, provided the oil is delivered to ports in India and purchased by companies operating under Indian law.
Officials in Washington stressed that the waiver is meant to release existing oil supplies already at sea and help stabilise markets during the current crisis. However, transactions involving Iranian oil or goods linked to Iran remain restricted under existing sanctions.
The development highlights the delicate balancing act in global energy policy as governments attempt to manage supply disruptions while maintaining diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia during ongoing geopolitical tensions.
