US Waives Russian Oil Sanctions for India

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil. This decision, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is a short-term measure to stabilize global energy markets and ease supply pressures stemming from the escalating conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran. The conflict has severely hampered shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit point. India, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, is expected to use this waiver to meet its energy requirements and is also anticipated to increase its purchases of US oil. The waiver has been met with criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who argue that it could provide significant financial benefit to Russia, thereby strengthening its position in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States is conducting 'Operation Epic Fury,' a military campaign targeting Iran's missile infrastructure and naval capabilities, following a joint US-Israel strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The India — Indian National Congress has also criticized the Indian government's handling of the waiver, questioning India's sovereignty.