The United States has stated that it would not consider taking military action against India in relation to oil imports from Russia. This assertion came from Karen Donfried, who serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, according to an Indian television outlet. The report aligns with ongoing diplomacy that emphasizes economic and strategic cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, even amid broader Western efforts to curb oil revenues linked to Russia.
Donfried emphasized a message of clear, stable partnership: there will be no sanctions directed at India as part of the United States’ approach to energy security or global supply considerations. The diplomat underscored that the U.S.-India relationship stands among the most significant collaborations for the United States in the realm of international affairs, reflecting a long-standing partnership that covers security, trade, technology, and regional stability.
In December 2022, a price ceiling on Russian oil took effect, a policy coordinated by members of the European Union, the Group of Seven, and Australia. The cap was set at 60 dollars per barrel and was intended to limit the revenue available to Moscow while maintaining a stable flow of crude oil to global markets. This measure forms part of a broader toolkit used by Western policymakers to influence energy markets and Russia’s economic calculations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
India’s stance regarding the Western price cap has been pragmatic and nuanced. As the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil, following China and the United States, India has historically diversified its energy suppliers to ensure reliability and affordability for its rapidly growing economy. The country has been an active purchaser of Russian oil on certain terms, balancing its immediate energy needs with its broader strategic goals, including diversification and maintaining strong ties with multiple energy suppliers. This approach reflects India’s priority of energy security while navigating the evolving global policy landscape on sanctions and price controls.
Earlier reporting by Bloomberg indicated a potential flow pattern involving Russian crude being processed in Indian facilities and subsequently re-exported as refined diesel to European markets. Such an arrangement would involve complex logistical and regulatory steps, including refining capacity, international trading channels, and compliance with the price-cap framework. Analysts have noted that any shifts in refinery operations or trade routes would depend on prices, supply chains, and the broader sanctions regime, and could influence regional market dynamics as Europe seeks alternatives to Russian energy in the near term. (Source: Bloomberg reports cited in industry coverage)