US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the 25 % penal tariff imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil could be lifted if India continues to reduce its imports of Russian crude. Calling the move a “huge success,” Bessent said Indian refinery purchases of Russian oil have sharply declined after the tariff was introduced, though the measure remains in place for now.
Speaking at an international forum, Bessent said there is a diplomatic pathway to roll back the tariff if India maintains the current trend of cutting Russian oil imports. He also stated that the policy has delivered tangible benefits to the US economy.
The remarks come amid ongoing debate in the US over proposed legislation that could impose even steeper duties on countries buying Russian oil. India, meanwhile, has reiterated that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and the need to ensure affordable energy for its population.
India has maintained its “India First” energy policy and said it is closely monitoring developments with Washington, balancing strategic autonomy with global energy market realities.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ne kaha hai ki Russia se oil kharidne par India par lagaya gaya 25% penal tariff future me hataya ja sakta hai, agar India apni Russian crude imports aur kam karta raha. Unke mutabik, tariff ke baad Indian refineries ki Russian oil purchases kaafi had tak gir chuki hain, jise unhone “huge success” bataya.
Ek international forum me baat karte hue Bessent ne kaha ki is issue ka diplomatic solution possible hai aur agar current trend continue raha, toh tariff rollback ka raasta nikal sakta hai. Unhone yeh bhi kaha ki is policy se US economy ko faayda hua hai.
Is beech, US me aisi legislation par charcha chal rahi hai jisme Russian oil kharidne wale deshon par aur zyada heavy duties lagane ka proposal hai. India ne clear kiya hai ki uski energy procurement policy “India First” approach par based hai aur sasti energy supply ensure karna priority hai.
India ne kaha hai ki wo Washington ke saath developments ko closely track kar raha hai, taaki strategic autonomy aur global energy market ke beech balance banaya ja sake.