India never needed permission to buy Russian oil, Centre hits back at Congress

The BJP earlier termed the US decision a success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “strategic oil diplomacy”. FILE PIC

The Congress on Saturday attacked the Modi government after US officials said Washington had allowed India to purchase certain Russian oil cargoes, calling the Centre "cowardly and compromised".

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh cited remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the US had permitted India to buy Russian oil amidst the West Asia conflict.

Jairam Ramesh

Ramesh alleged the Modi government had received a "certificate" from the US for following directions from former US President Donald Trump. "Does anything more need to be said about how cowardly and compromised the self-proclaimed 56-inch chest has become?" he said.

The Centre rejected the criticism, asserting that India has never depended on any country's permission to buy Russian oil. A senior government functionary said the US waiver may reduce friction but does not determine India's policy.

"India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil," the official said, noting that Russia remains India's largest crude supplier and imports continued even during the Russia-Ukraine war despite Western objections.

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