NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday targeted the Centre after the United States announced that it would allow India to purchase Russian oil, asking how long this “American blackmail” would continue.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump’s new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?).”Congress leader Manish Tewari also criticised the government and said, “Issuing a 30-day waiver — the sanctimonious language of condescension drips with neo-imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives?”He added, “The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?”The move comes after the United States issued a temporary waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil, with Washington stating that the step is aimed at stabilising global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena’Expect painful blows’: Iran hints at ‘unseen’ weapons as war enters 7th day; US-Israel intensifies strikes — key pointsUS gives India 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil amid Middle East crisisUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “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.”He added that the US expects India to increase energy imports from the United States 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,” Bessent wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”The waiver comes as India faces potential risks from energy supply disruptions in the Middle East, following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.India sources nearly 40% of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.Russia has signalled that it is ready to redirect crude shipments to India to offset supply disruptions caused by the conflict. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently positioned near Indian waters and could reach the country within weeks, according to Reuters.The potential supply shift follows Iranian strikes on vessels in the region, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed, affecting roughly 40% of India’s crude imports.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIAF Loses Two More Pilots To Sukhoi 30MKI Fighter Jet Crash In Assam During Training MissionUS Allows India To Buy Russian Oil As Allies Offer Gas Supplies Amid Iran War And Hormuz TensionsIndia Condoles Khameini’s Death, Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM; ‘Iran War God’s Plan’: US MilitaryNitish Kumar Files RS Nomination, Vows Support to New State GovernmentCV Ananda Bose Resigns As Bengal Governor, TN Guv RN Ravi To Replace Him; Mamata Attacks Amit Shah’Undeniable’: US Deputy Secretary Landau Hails India’s Rise As Key To The 21st CenturyJaishankar Dials Iran FM Araghchi After India Condoles Khamenei’s Death In US-Israeli StrikesIran Conflict Presents ‘Huge Opportunity’ For India To Become Clean Energy Exporter: Amitabh KantIndian YouTuber Nancy Grewal Killed In Canada Stabbing, Questions Rise Over Motive Behind Attack’Conflict In Backyard’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi On Iran Warship, Govt Denies Responsibility123PhotostoriesSara Tendulkar’s favorite protein- and fiber-rich meal choices, which are very easy to add to your routineShark Tank India’s Ashneer Grover shares a glimpse of his relaxing vacation with his wife Madhuri in Jaipur; take a lookTop 7 tallest buildings in ChicagoBaby names for boys born on Friday6 oat and egg dishes for breakfast for complete nutrition7 low-maintenance plants you can grow in waterBrad Pitt’s most iconic on-screen looks that continue to lend fashion goalsCould you be low on magnesium? 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NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday targeted the Centre after the United States announced that it would allow India to purchase Russian oil, asking how long this “American blackmail” would continue.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump’s new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?).”Congress leader Manish Tewari also criticised the government and said, “Issuing a 30-day waiver — the sanctimonious language of condescension drips with neo-imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives?”He added, “The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?”The move comes after the United States issued a temporary waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil, with Washington stating that the step is aimed at stabilising global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “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.”He added that the US expects India to increase energy imports from the United States 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,” Bessent wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”The waiver comes as India faces potential risks from energy supply disruptions in the Middle East, following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.India sources nearly 40% of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.Russia has signalled that it is ready to redirect crude shipments to India to offset supply disruptions caused by the conflict. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently positioned near Indian waters and could reach the country within weeks, according to Reuters.The potential supply shift follows Iranian strikes on vessels in the region, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed, affecting roughly 40% of India’s crude imports.
