“You can buy from any nation in the world, just not Russia,” US Energy Secretary tells India
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is urging India to think twice about its oil imports from Russia. He stressed that the United States isn’t out to punish India—instead, the goal is to help end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in New York, Wright responded to questions about India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. “There are plenty of oil sellers around the world,” he said. “India doesn’t have to buy from Russia. They do it because it’s cheaper—Russia has to discount it since no one else wants it. India is choosing cheap oil while ignoring the fact that it’s funding someone who’s killing thousands every week.”
Wright made it clear where the US stands. “We want India to join us in buying oil from everywhere else but Russia,” he explained. “America has oil to sell, and so do others. We’re not punishing India. We want to stop the war and build stronger ties with India.”
He also shared details about recent talks with Indian leaders. Wright met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during an inauguration event and started discussions on future cooperation. “Russia’s role in Ukraine peace talks is tricky,” he noted. “We’re working with our allies to find creative ways to end this conflict.”
Ending the Ukraine war tops the list for Wright, right alongside boosting US-India energy and trade links. He quoted President Trump, saying Trump wants the war over more than anything—it could ease tensions in US-India relations. “I’m fully committed to energy and trade with India,” Wright added. “There’s a bright future ahead, but we need to team up and apply maximum pressure to stop the war.”
This comes amid tensions over trade. In August 2025, the Trump administration slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, pushing the total tariff rate to 50%. Officials cited India’s Russian oil imports as the reason.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs hit back, calling the tariffs unfair and unjustified. They emphasized that India’s energy policy follows market forces to secure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion people. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Our imports depend on market factors to ensure energy security for 1.4 billion Indians.”
Other US figures have criticized India too. Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor, accused India of profiting from cheap Russian oil and claimed Indian tariffs hurt American jobs. He’s made sharp comments before, even calling India a “laundromat for the Kremlin” and making controversial remarks about the country.
White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett expressed disappointment over India’s Russian crude oil buys but hopes for progress. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly called India America’s most tariffed trading partner, labeling the relationship a “one-sided disaster.”
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