U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has expressed concern about India’s continued imports of Russian oil, describing it as a “source of friction” in otherwise strong bilateral ties. Speaking at a press conference, Wright emphasized that India remains a key ally and an important partner for Washington, particularly in energy cooperation.
“India is a fast-growing economy and a valued ally of the United States,” Wright said. “We look forward to more energy trade and greater interaction with India.”
#WATCH | Speaking to ANI on India-Russia oil trade, Secretary for the US Department of Energy, Chris Wright says, "There are lots of oil exporters in the world. India doesn't need to buy Russian oil. India buys Russian oil because it is cheaper. Nobody wants to buy Russian oil;… pic.twitter.com/6hW8o61BYO
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025
The remarks come amid broader U.S. criticism of countries continuing to buy Russian oil during the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump, speaking at the UN General Assembly, highlighted both India and China as significant purchasers of Russian energy, arguing that such transactions indirectly support Moscow. Tensions have also risen following the Trump administration’s decision to impose an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, bringing total levies to 50 percent—among the highest applied by the U.S. to any trading partner.
Wright suggested that India could diversify its energy supplies rather than rely on discounted Russian oil. “There are many oil exporters in the world,” he said. “India doesn’t need to buy Russian oil. They buy it because it is cheaper. Our position is that India should work with us to buy oil from elsewhere.”
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Despite the criticism, Wright stressed that Washington is not seeking to penalize New Delhi. “We don’t want to punish India,” he said. “We want to end the war and grow our relations with India. America has oil to sell, as do many others.”
On the wider geopolitical context, Wright called for innovative approaches to end the war in Ukraine. “We are working with our allies to find the most creative ways to bring this war to an end,” he said.
Wright concluded by reiterating the potential for stronger U.S.-India ties in the energy sector and beyond. “There is a bright future for U.S.-India relations,” he said. “We are fully committed to energy and trade cooperation with India, while also seeking to apply maximum pressure to bring the conflict to an end.”