Congressional Democrats urge the Trump administration to cancel a short-term waiver permitting India to import Russian oil, arguing it aids adversaries amid rising U.S. energy costs.
Waiver Details and Backlash
The Treasury Department recently granted a 30-day sanctions waiver to Indian refiners, aiming to alleviate global supply strains from the Iran conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.
Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) addressed a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, labeling the waiver “dangerous, self-defeating, and indefensible.” They described it as “an inexplicable act of material benefit to the enemy,” pointing to intelligence indicating Russia assists Iran in attacks on U.S. forces.
“By providing this waiver, you have signaled that the United States will reward attacks on our troops, not deter them,” the lawmakers stated.
The representatives also faulted the lack of alternative oil supplies for allies, noting the decision enables Russia to gain from previously sanctioned reserves.
Administration’s Defense
Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the waiver as a “pragmatic” step that redirects Russian oil away from China and supports short-term price stability.
Regarding reports of Russian intelligence shared with Iran, Wright noted, “There have been rumors of that, we don’t know if that’s true or not.”
US-India Trade Deal Context
Anthony Scaramucci recently criticized Russia for supporting Iran in targeting U.S. troops and faulted the administration for easing Russian oil restrictions, which could increase Moscow’s revenues and endanger American personnel.
Last month, President Trump unveiled a significant U.S.-India trade agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reduces U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% and phases out India’s Russian oil imports.
India pledges to purchase at least $500 billion in U.S. products over five years, boosting sectors like energy, technology, and aviation, including Boeing orders valued at $70-100 billion.
Analysts expect the pact to reshape supply chains, offering U.S. firms alternatives to China. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude on X, emphasizing benefits for India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
