Christopher Wright, US’s Energy Secretary and a senior US official, recently reiterated Washington’s concerns over India’s continued imports of discounted Russian oil amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
While acknowledging India as a strategic partner, he cautioned that New Delhi’s purchases indirectly fund Moscow’s military campaign and suggested that India turn to alternative suppliers, including the United States.
Speaking at a press briefing, Wright stressed that the US does not seek to punish India but wants to see an end to the conflict in Ukraine. “India buys Russian oil because it is cheaper. Nobody else wants to buy it, so Russia has to sell at a discount. India has made the trade-off to buy cheaper oil while looking the other way, which unfortunately means giving money to a leader who is murdering thousands every week,” he said.
Oil Purchases at the Heart of Tensions
According to Wright, Washington would prefer New Delhi to reduce its reliance on Moscow and diversify its energy sources. “You can buy oil from every nation on earth, just not Russia. That’s our position. America has oil to sell, and so does everybody else. We don’t want to punish India—we want to end the war and deepen our relations,” he added.
His remarks come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, half of which he justified as a penalty for India’s decision to import Russian oil. Trump also accused India, along with China and Turkey, of being the “primary funders” of Russia’s war machine during his address at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week.
Despite the sharp criticism, Wright emphasized his admiration for India and his desire to see energy trade expand between the two nations. “I am a huge fan of India. We love India and look forward to more energy partnerships. But India is caught up in the middle of another issue—the war in Ukraine. President Trump’s greatest passion is peace, and Russian oil sales to India, China, and Turkiye are helping fund that brutal conflict,” he explained.
India’s Stand on Russian Oil
India has repeatedly defended its energy trade with Russia, stating that its purchases are based purely on market dynamics and national interest. New Delhi argues that discounted oil from Russia helps stabilize domestic prices and shield its economy from global volatility. Indian officials have also underlined that Europe, until recently, remained a major buyer of Russian energy, and that singling out India is unfair.
Why the US is Dictating India’s Choices?
Analysts believe Washington’s insistence on curbing Russian oil imports is as much about geopolitics as it is about economics. The US wants to cut Moscow’s revenue streams while simultaneously positioning itself as a major energy supplier to India’s growing market. Critics in India, however, view these statements as an attempt by Washington to dictate sovereign policy choices. They argue that energy security for a developing nation cannot be compromised at the behest of global power politics.
Despite the friction, trade negotiations between India and the US are back on track. Both sides are keen to expand cooperation in clean energy, defense, and technology. Yet, the question of Russian oil continues to be a point of contention, highlighting the complex balance India must maintain between its economic needs, foreign policy independence, and its growing strategic ties with Washington.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
