U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged India to reconsider its oil imports from Russia, stressing that the United States does not intend to penalize India but seeks to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference at the New York Foreign Press Centre in response to ANI’s question about India’s continued oil trade with Russia, Wright said India has many alternative oil suppliers. “There are numerous oil-exporting countries. India doesn’t need to buy Russian oil. The reason India purchases it is because it is cheaper. No one wants Russian oil; it is sold at a discount. India has chosen to prioritize lower costs, indirectly funding someone responsible for killing thousands of people every week,” Wright said.
He clarified the U.S. position, stating, “We hope India will cooperate with us in sourcing oil from anywhere except Russia. The U.S. and other nations have oil to sell. We don’t want to punish India; our goal is to end the war and strengthen relations with India.” On engagement with Indian officials, Wright mentioned meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the inauguration night to discuss future cooperation. He acknowledged the difficulty of persuading Russia to seek peace in Ukraine and highlighted U.S. efforts, alongside allies, to find creative solutions to end the war.
Wright emphasized that ending the conflict and fostering stronger U.S.-India relations are top priorities. “President Trump wants this war to end, which would also remove a source of tension. I am fully committed to energy and trade cooperation with India. The challenge is how to work together to maximize pressure and bring the war to a close,” he said.
In August 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total tariff to 50%, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” reiterating that India’s energy policy is guided by market considerations and the need to secure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The U.S. has targeted India’s Russian oil imports. Our imports are based on market factors and aim to ensure energy security for 1.4 billion Indians.”
Previously, several U.S. officials had criticized India’s Russian oil imports. Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, accused India of profiting from Russian oil and claimed India’s tariffs harm American jobs. Navarro has repeatedly mocked India, calling it a “laundromat for the Kremlin” and making caste-based remarks about profiteering. White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett said Trump and his trade team are “disappointed” with India’s continued Russian oil imports but remain hopeful for progress. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly described India as America’s “most tariffed partner” and called the trade relationship a “totally one-sided disaster.”
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