Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The United States on Wednesday again hailed India as a “great partner”, praising New Delhi’s purchase of oil from its old ally Russia and crediting it as an effort to maintain stable oil prices around the world.The US envoy to India, Sergio Gor, wrote on X, “India has been a great partner in maintaining stable oil prices around the world. The United States recognizes ongoing purchases of Russian oil are a part of this effort.”He added, “India is one of the largest consumers and refiners of oil and it is essential for the United States and India to work hand in hand for market stability for Americans and Indians.”Earlier in the day, the United States repeated its stance on the temporary waiver “allowing” India to buy limited quantities of Russian oil, citing the evolving situation in the oil-rich Middle East. Washington said the waiver for New Delhi was aimed at easing pressure on global energy supplies during the crisis.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the move was intended as a short-term measure to stabilise markets as disruptions linked to Iran and rising tensions in the region continue to affect supply routes.Responding to a question about the waiver issued last week, Leavitt said the decision reflected India’s earlier cooperation with Western sanctions on Russia. “They came to this decision because our allies in India have been good actors and have previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil,” she said. “So as we work to appease this temporary gap of oil supply around the world because of the Iranians, we have temporarily permitted them to accept that Russian oil and this Russian oil was already at sea.”She added that the shipments involved crude that was already in transit and would not significantly boost Russia’s revenues. “It was already out on the water. So this short term measure, we don’t believe it will provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government at this time,” Leavitt said.The clarification comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump faces questions over the decision to ease restrictions months after imposing punitive measures on India for purchasing Russian crude.
