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September 20, 2025
US Presses India On Russian Oil Amid Stalled Trade Talks
A delegation led by US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch raised the matter during discussions with Indian officials in New Delhi on Tuesday
**US Presses India On Russian Oil Amid Stalled Trade Talks**
New Delhi – The United States has once again voiced its concerns regarding India's continued purchase of Russian oil, adding pressure to already strained trade negotiations between the two nations. The issue was brought to the forefront during discussions held in New Delhi on Tuesday, spearheaded by a US delegation led by Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch.
While the official agenda focused on broader trade relations, the topic of Russian energy imports loomed large, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The US has been actively seeking to reduce global reliance on Russian energy resources following the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of sanctions. India, however, has significantly increased its intake of discounted Russian crude oil, a move that has drawn criticism from Western nations.
The US delegation reportedly emphasized the importance of adhering to international efforts aimed at limiting Russia's revenue streams used to finance the war in Ukraine. They highlighted the potential risks to India's long-term economic interests associated with maintaining close ties with Russia, particularly in the context of potential secondary sanctions and reputational damage.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of stalled trade talks between the US and India. Both countries have been engaged in negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing trade disputes and fostering greater economic cooperation. However, progress has been slow, with disagreements persisting over issues such as tariffs, market access, and intellectual property rights.
The US concern over Russian oil imports further complicates these ongoing negotiations. While India maintains that its energy policy is driven by its own national interests and the need to secure affordable energy for its growing population, the US is urging India to reconsider its position and align itself more closely with the global effort to isolate Russia economically. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but they underscore the complex geopolitical considerations shaping the US-India relationship. The future direction of trade talks will likely hinge, in part, on how India navigates the delicate balance between its energy needs and its strategic partnerships.
New Delhi – The United States has once again voiced its concerns regarding India's continued purchase of Russian oil, adding pressure to already strained trade negotiations between the two nations. The issue was brought to the forefront during discussions held in New Delhi on Tuesday, spearheaded by a US delegation led by Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch.
While the official agenda focused on broader trade relations, the topic of Russian energy imports loomed large, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The US has been actively seeking to reduce global reliance on Russian energy resources following the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of sanctions. India, however, has significantly increased its intake of discounted Russian crude oil, a move that has drawn criticism from Western nations.
The US delegation reportedly emphasized the importance of adhering to international efforts aimed at limiting Russia's revenue streams used to finance the war in Ukraine. They highlighted the potential risks to India's long-term economic interests associated with maintaining close ties with Russia, particularly in the context of potential secondary sanctions and reputational damage.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of stalled trade talks between the US and India. Both countries have been engaged in negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing trade disputes and fostering greater economic cooperation. However, progress has been slow, with disagreements persisting over issues such as tariffs, market access, and intellectual property rights.
The US concern over Russian oil imports further complicates these ongoing negotiations. While India maintains that its energy policy is driven by its own national interests and the need to secure affordable energy for its growing population, the US is urging India to reconsider its position and align itself more closely with the global effort to isolate Russia economically. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but they underscore the complex geopolitical considerations shaping the US-India relationship. The future direction of trade talks will likely hinge, in part, on how India navigates the delicate balance between its energy needs and its strategic partnerships.
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World