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US Grants India Waiver for Russian Oil Amid West Asia Conflict

The White House has temporarily permitted India to purchase Russian oil to address global supply gaps caused by the conflict in West Asia. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the decision was made because India has been a "good actor" in previously halting sanctioned Russian oil purchases. The conflict, triggered by US-Israel strikes killing Iran's Supreme Leader, has expanded with Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. The disruption threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint.

Key Points: US Allows India Russian Oil Amid Iran Tensions

  • US permits India Russian oil purchase
  • Waiver due to global energy disruption
  • Measure deemed short-term and low benefit to Russia
  • Conflict in West Asia expands to Gulf nations
3 min read

'This short-term measure will not provide financial benefit to Moscow': White House on granting "permission" to India for Russian oil

White House permits India to buy Russian oil temporarily, citing global supply gaps and India's compliance, while conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz.

"This short term measure, we don't believe it will provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government at this time. - Karoline Leavitt"

Washington DC, March 11

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday underlined that the United States had "permitted" India to temporarily purchase Russian oil in the wake of the disruptions to global energy supplies amid the conflict in West Asia.

The White House Press Secretary made the remarks during a media briefing on Tuesday.

When asked whether she had spoken to the US President about oil-sanction waivers to India in the wake of the developing security situation in West Asia, Leavitt responded, saying that the decision comes as India has been a "good actor" and while the measure is short-term, it will not provide significant financial benefit to Russia.

" I have spoken to the President about it and the Secretary of Treasury and the whole National Security team came to this decision because our allies like India have been good actors and previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil. So as we work to appease this temporary gap of oil supply around the world, because of the Iranians, we have temporarily permitted them to accept Russian oil", Leavitt said.

She added, "This Russian oil was already at sea, it was already out in the waters-- so this short term measure, we don't believe it will provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government at this time."

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia after the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, following which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries. The US-Israel strikes also killed several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, Trump on Tuesday warned Iran against attempting to disrupt global oil supplies, saying Washington would respond with overwhelming force if Tehran tried to interfere with energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

As of March 10, 2026, the conflict is in its second week. While U.S. President Donald Trump has made statements suggesting the military campaign is largely "complete" in terms of neutralising specific Iranian military capabilities, he has not yet declared the mission fully accomplished or announced a ceasefire, emphasising that the U.S. has not yet "won enough."

The conflict has expanded beyond Iran, with Iranian retaliatory strikes--using missiles and drones--targeting U.S. military bases, embassies, and civilian/energy infrastructure in neighbouring Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

The conflict has caused significant disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 20% of the world's oil transits.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a practical move in a difficult situation. The West created this energy crisis with their actions in West Asia, and now developing economies like ours have to navigate the fallout. Securing affordable energy for our industries and homes is non-negotiable. 🤷‍♀️
R
Rohit P
The White House calling India a "good actor" for stopping previous purchases... feels like we're being patted on the head. Our foreign policy should be, and is, independent. This temporary measure is fine, but we need long-term solutions that don't depend on anyone's "permission".
S
Sarah B
From an outside perspective, it seems like a sensible diplomatic compromise. India needs the oil, the global market is in chaos, and this prevents the situation from worsening. Hope it helps stabilize prices for everyone.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is the instability in the Strait of Hormuz. 20% of global oil! This conflict is hurting the whole world. India's move is just pragmatic crisis management. We can't let our growth engine sputter because of a war we didn't start.
K
Kavya N
While I understand the need, it leaves a slightly bitter taste. Are we just a pawn in a larger game? We should accelerate our green energy and domestic production plans even more aggressively. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the only real answer to such global volatility.

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