Congress Criticises PM Modi Over US Waiver on Russian Oil

The opposition Indian National Congress on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following remarks by US officials regarding a temporary waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil.

The party said the comments from Washington raised questions about India’s diplomatic stance and called on the government to respond publicly.

Congress Questions US “Permission” Comment

The criticism came after Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, said in an interview that the United States had allowed India to buy Russian oil that was already being transported by ships.

Responding to the statement on social media, Congress said it was concerning that India appeared to be “waiting for approval” from Washington regarding energy purchases.

The party argued that India, as a major global economy, should make independent decisions on such matters and asked the government to clarify the situation.

US Explains Temporary Waiver

According to Bessent, the decision was intended to help stabilise global oil supply during ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.

He said that several shipments of Russian crude oil were already at sea and allowing them to reach buyers could quickly increase available supply in the global market.

Bessent added that the move was aimed at easing short-term pressure on oil prices and maintaining supply stability.

Other US Officials Comment

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright also referred to the decision in a post on social media. He said the United States was allowing India to take delivery of Russian oil already on ships near South Asia and refine it for the market.

According to Wright, the measure was part of broader efforts to ensure steady oil supplies during ongoing global tensions.

Background of the Issue

The waiver comes after earlier US pressure on countries to reduce purchases of Russian energy following international sanctions.

In previous months, the United States had also imposed tariffs on India related to its purchases of Russian oil.

However, the recent decision reflects concerns about maintaining global oil availability as geopolitical tensions continue to affect supply chains and energy markets.

Political Debate Continues

Congress leaders have urged the government to clarify its position and explain the circumstances surrounding the waiver.

So far, there has been no detailed public response from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the remarks made by US officials.

The issue has triggered debate over India’s foreign policy approach, particularly regarding energy security and relations with global partners.