The United States has claimed that India has halted its purchases of Russian crude oil, according to comments made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bessent said India reduced and eventually stopped buying Russian oil after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on countries purchasing energy from Moscow. The statement comes amid broader US efforts to pressure nations financially supporting Russia through discounted oil imports during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
However, the claim has sparked debate among analysts and officials, as India has previously maintained that its energy import decisions are guided by market conditions and national interests rather than political pressure. Washington is also considering tougher measures, including potential tariffs of up to 500% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, targeting major buyers such as China. The situation highlights rising tensions in global energy markets and the geopolitical balancing act faced by India as it navigates relations with both Russia and the United States.
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