New Delhi, March 6 The Congress criticized the Modi government on Friday after the US announced a temporary waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, and asked how long this "American blackmail" would continue.
In a post on X in Hindi, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh wrote, "Trump's new game, told Delhi's friend you can get oil from Putin, how long will this American blackmail continue?"
Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the US said it was issuing a temporary 30-day waiver on Russian oil purchases.
"President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching record highs. To ensure that oil continues to flow into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday.
Bessent said this "deliberately short-term measure" would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea.
"India is a crucial partner of the United States, and we fully expect that New Delhi will increase its purchases of US oil. This temporary measure will alleviate the pressure caused by Iran's attempt to control global energy," Bessent said in a post on X.
US President Donald Trump had imposed 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, with the administration asserting that Delhi's purchases were helping fuel Russia's war against Ukraine.
Last month, the US and India announced they had reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade, and Trump issued an Executive Order removing the 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India, noting Delhi's commitment to stop importing energy from Moscow and increase purchases of American energy products.
