As global energy tensions intensify, the United States has once again triggered debate by claiming that India had earlier halted Russian oil purchases following Washington’s advice. The White House now says it has granted New Delhi a temporary 30-day relaxation to resume limited purchases of Russian crude, citing the current instability in global oil supply caused by escalating tensions involving Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the decision was taken considering India’s role as a “trusted partner” of the United States. According to her, India had previously reduced or stopped buying Russian oil in response to Western sanctions imposed after the Ukraine war. Because of that cooperation, Washington decided to provide temporary flexibility during the present energy crisis.
Leavitt clarified that the relaxation allows India to import Russian crude only from shipments that are already at sea. Several oil tankers carrying Russian crude are currently stranded due to disruptions in global shipping routes, and the US administration believes allowing those vessels to reach Indian ports will help stabilise supply without significantly boosting Russia’s revenue.
The issue has sparked criticism within the United States itself. Critics argue that Washington had earlier pushed aggressively to restrict Russia’s oil trade in response to the Ukraine conflict. Granting any form of relief, even temporary, has therefore raised questions about the consistency of US sanctions policy.
The White House, however, insists that the move is not a full policy reversal. Officials say the decision was driven by extraordinary circumstances in the global oil market following rising tensions involving Iran and disruptions in key shipping routes.
Iran has effectively halted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil exports pass through this route every day. With fears of possible attacks, dozens of cargo ships and oil tankers have been waiting near the strait, creating uncertainty in global energy supply.
For India, the disruption carries serious implications. Around 40% of the country’s crude oil and natural gas imports travel through the Strait of Hormuz. With shipments stalled and energy markets volatile, Washington said allowing India to temporarily import Russian crude from already-loaded vessels could help prevent supply shocks.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier echoed the same reasoning, saying India has historically played a “constructive role” in energy diplomacy and that the limited relief was granted under those circumstances.
The White House has reiterated that the 30-day window applies only to oil shipments already stranded at sea and does not represent a broader easing of sanctions on Russia.
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