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Rubio said the sanctions related to Russian oil also provided an opportunity for India to diversify its energy sources, including the US.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at an annex building at the US embassy. (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the sanctions imposed by Washington on Indian goods for purchasing Russian oil were not directed specifically at India, but were part of a broader effort to pressure Moscow into ending its war against Ukraine.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18Rubio said, “The issue of Russian oil was never specifically about India. It was part of a broader effort to impose costs on Russia because of the Ukraine war, and India happened to be a major purchaser of Russian oil.”
The remarks came after ties between the US and India came under strain after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian products over large-scale imports of discounted Russian crude, saying it was aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
India, one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since 2022, defended its policy, citing energy security and national interest. Relations improved after both countries finalised a framework for an interim trade agreement, which reduced tariffs to 18%. The US later brought it down to 10% after a Supreme Court ruling invalidating all reciprocal tariffs.
US Wanted India To Diversify Energy Sources
Additionally, Rubio told CNN-News18 that the US saw an opportunity for India to diversify its energy sources, including the United States and other countries like Venezuela.
“We want to be a strong partner in that regard, and I don’t believe this is an issue. India is already moving toward diversification, and hopefully the war in Ukraine will end,” he said.
The United States had granted India an exemption from sanctions on purchases of Russian oil due to the ongoing US-Iran war in West Asia, which caused a dramatic spike in global crude oil prices. The waiver enabled Indian refiners to continue receiving already-loaded Russian cargoes.
India, US ‘Perfectly Aligned’
Rubio blamed the “fractured system led by radicals” in Iran for the oil price hike, saying Tehran was attempting to “illegally” and “criminally” control the Strait of Hormuz. “This is a total violation and is not allowed under any law. The United States and India both share very common beliefs,” he said.
“I think India and the United States are perfectly aligned. And we spoke about it today with the Prime Minister, who was very forceful about that as well. Obviously, as far as the negotiations are concerned, it’s not easy to negotiate with Iran. It’s a fractured system led by radical clerics. But that said, we’re going to give it every opportunity,” he added.
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