The United States has stated that India is decreasing its procurement of Russian oil and broadening its energy sources. Lawmakers raised concerns during a House subcommittee hearing about the financing of the Ukraine war through continued Russian oil sales. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur mentioned that India has been reducing Russian oil purchases and increasing imports of US energy.
Republican Rep. Keith Self questioned how Washington would ensure compliance if India scaled back Russian oil purchases. He highlighted the complexities of enforcement, including third-party traders and obscured energy origins. Kapur emphasized India’s shift towards diversification in energy sourcing, mentioning the increased purchase of US energy.
The delicate balance in US-India relations was underscored during the discussion, where Washington aims to expand cooperation while urging India to reduce reliance on Russian crude. The issue reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in South Asia amid the Ukraine conflict and sanctions enforcement. India, historically maintaining strategic autonomy, faces pressure to diversify energy sources.
