US Softens Stand After India Rejects ‘30-Day Oil Waiver’ Claim

A diplomatic discussion has emerged between India and the United States after American officials suggested that Washington had encouraged New Delhi to purchase Russian crude oil currently stranded at sea. The remarks were made by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who said the idea was to divert cargoes of Russian oil that were waiting to unload at Chinese refineries and instead send them to Indian refineries.

According to him, the proposal was aimed at calming global energy markets and preventing a sudden spike in oil prices during the ongoing tensions in West Asia. However, the statement quickly drew a strong response from Indian officials, who clarified that India’s energy policy is decided independently and not based on “permission” from any country.

Government sources stressed that India’s oil procurement strategy is guided by the principles of affordability, availability and sustainability to ensure stable energy supplies for its citizens. Following the reaction from New Delhi, US officials appeared to soften their earlier remarks, explaining that the move was only a temporary and practical step to stabilise global oil supplies rather than a change in Washington’s stance toward Moscow.

Wright later said that the short-term measure, including a reported 30-day waiver allowing certain cargoes already at sea to be delivered, was meant to reduce market anxiety and manage supply disruptions linked to the regional conflict. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also indicated that allowing these shipments to reach buyers could help bring additional crude into the market and ease price pressures.

The development highlights the complex balance between geopolitical tensions, global energy security and the economic realities faced by major oil-importing nations like India as the conflict in the Middle East continues to affect international oil markets.