Congress Questions ‘American Blackmail’ After US Grants 30-Day Waiver for India to Buy Russian Oil !
Prime Vista News
Congress criticizes the Modi government after the US grants a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, with Jairam Ramesh calling it “Ameriki blackmail”.
The Congress on Friday criticised the Centre after the United States announced a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, questioning how long what it termed “American blackmail” would continue.
The remarks came after Washington said the short-term exemption was being granted amid rising tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and broader global energy concerns.
Jairam Ramesh Calls It ‘Ameriki Blackmail’
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the government in a post on X, using a rhyming Hindi message to criticise the development.
“Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail.”
Translated, the message suggested that the move represented a new geopolitical tactic and questioned how long such pressure from Washington would continue.
US Announces Temporary Oil Purchase Waiver
The US administration announced that it was issuing a temporary 30-day waiver permitting Indian refiners to continue purchasing Russian oil.
The decision was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the measure was intended to maintain stability in global oil supply.
“President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” Bessent said.
‘Short-Term Measure’ Linked to Global Energy Flow
According to Bessent, the waiver is a deliberately short-term step and is not expected to provide significant financial benefits to Russia.
He said the waiver only allows transactions involving oil that is already stranded at sea, thereby limiting potential gains for the Russian government.
US Calls India an ‘Essential Partner’
In his statement, Bessent described India as an essential partner of the United States and said Washington expects New Delhi to increase purchases of American energy in the future.
“India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil,” he said.
He also described the waiver as a stop-gap measure aimed at easing pressure on global energy markets amid tensions involving Iran.
Tariffs and Energy Trade Tensions
The development comes after US President Donald Trump had earlier imposed 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil.
At the time, the US administration had argued that India’s continued imports were helping finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Earlier Coverage : Global Order Changing, Says Finland President as PM Modi Opens Raisina Dialogue:
Interim Trade Agreement Framework
Last month, India and the United States announced that they had reached a framework for an interim trade agreement.
Following the development, President Trump issued an Executive Order removing the 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s commitment to:
- Stop importing energy from Russia
- Increase purchases of American energy products
The temporary waiver now allows Indian refiners to continue Russian oil purchases for a limited period while the broader energy and trade arrangements evolve.
