Congress, BJP clash over US Waiver on Russian oil

New Delhi | Desk: Political blame game has intensified after the US granted Indian refineries a temporary 30-day exemption to purchase seaborne Russian oil. The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, citing statements by US officials regarding "permission," while the ruling BJP has hailed it as Prime Minister Modi's successful oil diplomacy.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has objected to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's statement that the US has granted India "permission" to purchase Russian oil to maintain global supplies.

Jairam Ramesh criticized the government on the social media platform X, calling it a "cowardly and compromising" stance and asserting that the government is merely following US orders.

On the other hand, the government and the BJP have categorically rejected these allegations.

A senior government official clarified that India is not dependent on any country's permission to purchase Russian oil and that the US waiver is only meant to reduce barriers to transactions, not to dictate India's sovereign policy.

The BJP hit back at the Congress, saying this development is a befitting reply to Rahul Gandhi and the opposition.

It is noteworthy that the Trump administration granted this waiver to India to control global oil prices and maintain smooth supply amid the recent conflict in West Asia (Israel-Iran).

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright also confirmed that cooperation is being worked with India to bring Russian oil stranded on ships near South Asia to market, preventing an international oil shortage.