India has reportedly approached the United States seeking an extension of the existing sanctions waiver that allows continued imports of Russian crude oil, as global energy markets face renewed volatility due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.
The request comes amid ongoing instability in West Asia and rising concerns over fuel supply security and inflationary pressure in the domestic economy.
India Pushes For Continued Russian Oil Access
According to a Bloomberg report, India has urged the United States to extend the waiver that permits the import of certain Russian oil cargoes despite Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict.
The waiver currently allows Indian refiners to receive already-loaded shipments of Russian crude, helping ensure steady energy supply amid global uncertainty.
India’s appeal reflects its broader effort to secure uninterrupted access to affordable crude oil, which remains critical for one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.
Surge In Russian Crude Imports
Indian refiners have significantly increased purchases of discounted Russian crude in recent months.
Data from commodity analytics firm Kpler shows that India’s imports of Russian oil have surged to record levels, crossing an average of over 2 million barrels per day in May.
This marks a sharp increase as refiners take advantage of discounted prices and seek to diversify supply sources amid volatile global energy conditions.
Background Of The US Waiver
The United States had earlier granted a waiver allowing certain countries, including India, to continue importing Russian crude oil despite broader sanctions linked to the Ukraine war.
The waiver was extended in April and was intended to stabilise global oil markets during periods of supply uncertainty.
At the time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the decision followed requests from multiple energy-dependent nations seeking relief from rising global fuel prices.
Energy Security Becomes A Key Concern
The latest request comes as the US-Iran conflict and broader West Asia tensions continue to disrupt global supply chains and push oil prices higher.
India, which imports nearly 85–90 percent of its crude oil needs, remains highly exposed to fluctuations in international energy markets.
The government has previously emphasised the importance of maintaining energy security while balancing diplomatic and economic considerations.
No Official Confirmation Yet
So far, neither the Government of India nor US authorities have officially confirmed discussions regarding a waiver extension.
However, market observers note that continued access to discounted crude remains crucial for India to manage its import bill, inflation, and currency stability.
Rising Importance Of Oil Diplomacy
The development highlights India’s ongoing balancing act between strategic autonomy and global energy dependencies.
With Russian oil flows, West Asia tensions, and global price volatility all intersecting, energy diplomacy is expected to remain a key focus area for policymakers in the coming months.