Congress Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh has criticized the central government in response to a 30-day waiver granted by the United States, which allows India to purchase Russian oil. Ramesh described the waiver as an infringement on India’s sovereignty.

Speaking to ANI, Ramesh expressed concerns about the implications of such external approvals on national energy policies. Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s lack of response, emphasizing that decisions regarding oil procurement should be made by the Indian government without foreign intervention.

Ramesh Demands Clarity on Government’s Stance

Ramesh highlighted the importance of India determining its own energy sources and amounts without reliance on American directives. He stated, “The statement from the US Treasury Secretary is highly objectionable. Our government should decide that from where, when, and how much oil we would buy. This is an issue of sovereignty.” He called out the silence of top Indian officials, including the Prime Minister and ministers in charge of foreign affairs and oil, raising questions about the direction of India’s foreign relations.

Congress to Raise Concerns in Parliament

Ramesh confirmed that Congress plans to address this issue in Parliament, alongside discussions regarding the India-US trade agreement. He expressed frustration with the trend of receiving significant announcements from Washington instead of direct information from the Indian government. Ramesh recalled a previous incident during which a US official disclosed critical updates regarding India’s operational decisions.

Reactions from Congress Leadership

Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge joined Ramesh in voicing concerns, stating that India’s strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are facing severe threats. In a post on social media platform X, Kharge accused Prime Minister Modi of being “blackmailed” by the US in the context of the waiver and other sensitive issues like the Epstein Files and the Adani case. He characterized the language used in US proclamations as suitable only for sanctioned nations rather than for India, which he claims has been a responsible global participant.

US Expectations on Oil Purchases

In response to the waiver, the US has indicated that it anticipates India to increase its purchases of American oil during this temporary exemption. This shift in focus on energy procurement may have significant ramifications for the Indian economy, particularly for sectors like ceramics and fertilizers that rely heavily on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourced from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Geopolitical Context of Oil Imports

India imports approximately 40 percent of its oil from the Gulf region, with a sizable volume transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict in West Asia, now in its seventh day, adds further complexity to energy supplies. This turmoil follows recent US and Israeli military actions in Iran, which resulted in the death of key figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran’s response has included counter-attacks on American military facilities and Israeli assets throughout the region, indicating a potential escalation in tensions that could disrupt global oil markets.

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