No pressure from US to cut Russian oil imports: Puri
Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri denied any pressure from the US to decrease Russian oil imports, stating he never felt such pressure during an industry event. President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russian energy exports earlier this month, citing national interest and providing relief from potential tariffs of up to 100%.
The Trump administration invoked a provision in the Graham Act, allowing the President to waive punitive measures if deemed in the US national interest. Trump waived the duties on imports from the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India, within 30 days of the Graham Act enactment on September 18. The waiver means India will not face penalties for sourcing oil from Russia, its largest supplier.
Russia is set to supply liquefied natural gas to India under long-term contracts. Trump's waiver follows a deal between the US and Russia for diesel supply, and ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar. Rubio is expected to visit India's largest single-site oil refinery in Jamnagar. US envoy to India Sergio Gor stated that Trump would make a decision on the waiver within the next 10 days.
Indian officials had previously informed the US that any tariffs under the new law would harm bilateral relations, describing the situation as "hostage-taking diplomacy" that would ultimately fail.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
