‘India Diversifying Oil’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Underlines Shift Away From Russian Crude :
Prime Vista News
US Ambassador Sergio Gor says India has committed to diversifying oil imports away from Russian crude under an interim trade agreement with Washington, expected to be signed soon.
India has committed to diversifying its oil imports as part of an interim trade agreement with the United States, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Friday, expressing confidence that the deal will be formally signed “very soon”.
Speaking on the ongoing negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, Gor reiterated that the understanding includes India broadening its energy sourcing, a move aligned with the United States’ broader position on reducing global dependence on Russian crude.
The commitment, he said, followed a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 2, during which the two leaders discussed advancing the proposed trade pact.
“On the oil, there’s an agreement. We have seen India diversify its oil. There is a commitment,” Gor said. “This is not about India. The United States doesn’t want anyone buying Russian oil. The President has been very clear on this and wants this war to end.”
US Position Tied to Ukraine War
Gor said Washington’s stance on Russian energy exports is rooted in its objective of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“The US doesn’t want anyone buying Russia. The President has been very clear on this he wants to end this war,” he said. “Anyone who is, in a way, still involved with that conflict is something that the President wants to see come to an end in hopes of peace coming with that.”
The Indian government has neither confirmed nor denied any commitment to halt Russian oil imports entirely. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest and that it will continue sourcing oil from multiple suppliers to ensure energy security.
Earlier Report : US Tariff Rollback on Indian Exports Linked More to Domestic Inflation Pressures Than Diplomatic Breakthrough
Trade Deal Nearing Signature
The US envoy said officials from both countries are finalising the remaining details of the interim agreement, with the signing expected shortly.
“The signing will happen very soon. Even this week, we have both teams talking to each other and actively getting to a place where both will be able to sign,” Gor said.
He described the agreement as extensive and complex. “This involves tens of thousands of points. You’re talking about negotiations with one of the largest economies in the world,” he said, adding that only minor adjustments remain.
“We’re thrilled that the interim deal is done. You have a few tweaking points left, but it’s done. So the signing will happen sooner rather than later.”
Tariff Reduction and Administrative Process
Under the interim arrangement, the US has reduced overall tariffs on Indian goods from 50% which included a 25% punitive levy linked to Russian oil purchases to 18%.
President Trump had earlier stated that India had agreed to halt Russian oil imports as part of the understanding, though New Delhi has not publicly endorsed that claim.
Gor explained that the recalibration of tariffs involves multiple administrative steps. “The executive order specifically on oil was already signed,” he said. “The second part, on tariffs being rebalanced, involves multiple mechanisms multiple departments and multiple areas and that will also happen very soon.”
High-Level Engagements Expected
Gor also announced that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India “very soon”, indicating sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
He further hinted at a potential meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. “Stay tuned. I’m sure it’ll happen at the right moment,” Gor said, without providing further details.
