BJP says US sought India’s ‘help’, Congress cites ‘permission’ remark over Russian oil waiver row

A political confrontation has erupted between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress after the United States announced a temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil already at sea. The development came amid global supply concerns during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the BJP claimed the move reflected Washington seeking India’s help to stabilise global oil markets, the Congress described it as an “insult” that India required such permission.

The United States granted a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to buy Russian oil shipments currently stranded at sea. The measure was announced to ease supply pressures in the global energy market and ensure uninterrupted flow of oil during heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The waiver was described as a short-term step to maintain market stability without providing major financial gains to Russia.

The BJP argued that the decision highlighted India’s growing importance in the global energy ecosystem. Party leaders cited remarks by the US energy secretary, who said Washington had reached out to “friends in India” and encouraged New Delhi to buy the oil and process it in its refineries in order to ease pressure on global refining capacity and stabilise oil prices.

However, the Congress countered the claim by citing remarks from the US treasury secretary stating that Washington had “agreed to let” India purchase Russian oil already on the water. Opposition leaders said the statement suggested India required approval from the United States, questioning the government over what they described as an attack on the country’s sovereignty.

The debate intensified on social media, with leaders from both parties exchanging statements over the interpretation of the US announcement. Congress leaders criticised the government for defending the decision, while the BJP accused the opposition of spreading misinformation about India’s role in global energy stability.

India has been under pressure from the United States to reduce purchases of Russian oil. Earlier, the US administration had announced tariffs on Indian imports if the country continued buying Russian crude, though trade negotiations later resulted in a reduction of proposed duties following discussions between the two sides.