United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright has urged India to reconsider its ongoing oil imports from Russia, emphasizing that the US aims to end the conflict in Ukraine rather than punish New Delhi.
During a press conference at the New York Foreign Press Center, Wright responded to a question from ANI regarding India’s continued trade with Russia. He noted, “There are lots of oil exporters in the world. India doesn’t need to buy Russian oil. India buys Russian oil because it is cheaper. Nobody wants to buy Russian oil; they have to sell it at a discount. India has decided to make the trade-off to buy cheaper oil and look the other way, which is giving money to a guy who’s murdering thousands of people every week.”
Wright clarified the US stance, stating his hope for India to collaborate in sourcing oil from other nations, asserting, “You can buy oil from every nation on earth, except Russian oil. That’s our position. America has oil to sell, so does everybody else. We don’t want to punish India. We want to end the war, and we want to grow our relations with India.”
In discussing engagement with Indian officials, Wright mentioned meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the inauguration night, where they initiated dialogue on future cooperation. He remarked, “I met the Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar and began a dialogue about cooperation and the future pathway between our countries. Russia trying to find peace in Ukraine is a sticky thing. We are both within the cabinet in the United States and with our allies, trying to find the most creative ways to bring this war to an end.”
Wright stressed the importance of resolving the conflict while enhancing US-India relations. He added, “President (Trump) wants nothing more than this war to end, and it would have the additional benefit of removing a source of friction. I am all in on energy and trade cooperation with India. There’s a bright future there, but somehow we have to figure out how to work together to put the maximum pressure to bring the war to an end.”
In August 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, pushing the total tariff burden to 50 percent due to India’s continued oil imports from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized this move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” while asserting that India’s energy policy is driven by market dynamics and the necessity to ensure affordable energy access for its population of 1.4 billion.
ME spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The United States has targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position… our imports are based on market factors and aimed at ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians.”
Several US officials have previously criticized India for its purchase of Russian oil. Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, accused India of profiting from Russian oil and claimed that India’s tariffs are detrimental to American jobs. Navarro has made multiple derogatory comments about India, including calling it a “laundromat for the Kremlin.”
White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett expressed that Trump and his trade team are “disappointed” with India’s ongoing imports of Russian crude oil but remain hopeful for positive developments. Trump has frequently referred to India as America’s “most tariffed partner,” labeling the trade relationship a “totally one-sided disaster.”
Published on September 25, 2025.
