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US urges India to look beyond Russian oil, says American supply is best alternative

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says there is no better alternative than American energy supplies as India continues large purchases of Russian oil.

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The United States has urged India to consider American energy supplies as an alternative to Russian oil, with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau saying there is no “better alternative” than the US.

Speaking during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday, Landau suggested that India should explore other sources of energy while responding to a question about the country’s continued purchases of Russian crude.

“I hope you are looking for alternate sources… You can’t have a better alternative than the USA,” he said during a session titled Power, Purpose, and Partnerships: American Foreign Policy in a New Era.

Energy concerns amid regional tensions

Landau’s remarks come as global energy markets face uncertainty due to the ongoing Iran conflict, which has raised concerns about possible supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Industry sources indicate that Russia is prepared to redirect crude shipments to India to compensate for potential supply interruptions. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian crude are currently on vessels near Indian waters and could reach domestic refineries in the coming weeks.

India significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil after the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, taking advantage of discounted crude and becoming one of Moscow’s major buyers. Western governments have frequently criticised the trade, arguing that it helps finance Russia’s military campaign.

India’s energy security also faces logistical challenges. Around 40 percent of the country’s crude imports move through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region could affect supplies to Indian refineries.

Because of this risk, refiners in India are reportedly exploring alternative sources if disruptions in the region continue for more than 10 to 15 days.

Trade ties and strategic relations

The comments come shortly after India and the United States announced a trade agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation.

Following the announcement, the White House indicated that tariffs on Indian goods could be increased if New Delhi resumed large-scale purchases of Russian oil. India, however, has not officially confirmed any decision to halt Russian crude imports.

Russia has also hinted at potential moves in global energy markets. President Vladimir Putin recently said Moscow could consider halting gas supplies to Europe amid rising energy prices linked to the crisis.

‘America First doesn’t mean America alone’

During his address, Landau defended the “America First” foreign policy approach under US President Donald Trump, stating that it should not be interpreted as isolationist.

“America First doesn’t mean America alone,” he said, adding that Washington expects other countries to pursue their own interests as well.

“Our foreign policy is focused on advancing US interests. We are not a charity,” he added.

Referring to the leadership in both countries, Landau said Trump would aim to “make America great again” while expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to focus on strengthening India.

He also described the current period as an important phase in the relationship between the two countries.

“This century is going to see the rise of India. It is in our interest to be partners,” he said, noting that Washington closely follows India’s economic growth and views the relationship as strategically important.

Landau also expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, saying the agreement is “almost at the finishing line” and that the US is eager to expand economic engagement with India.

At the same time, he cautioned that Washington does not want to repeat past strategic miscalculations.

“We are not going to make the same mistake with India which we made with China 20 years ago,” he said.

US stance on Middle East tensions

Addressing the broader conflict in the Middle East, Landau said Washington’s priority is to ensure that instability in the region does not threaten global security.

He reiterated the US position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that Washington had repeatedly warned Tehran against developing nuclear weapons.

“We tried hard to explain our red line to Iran, which is no development of a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding that the US believed diplomacy had not been successful.

Landau also said the future of Iran’s leadership ultimately lies with its citizens.

“Ultimately, the Iranian people will have to decide who their leadership is going to be,” he said.

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India envoy Dinesh Trivedi meets PM Modi after talks with Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman 

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met PM Modi after talks with Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman amid diplomatic tensions.

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India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, a day after his meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.

According to the High Commission of India in Bangladesh, Trivedi sought PM Modi’s guidance on further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh through a constructive and people-centric approach.

The meeting came a day after Trivedi held discussions with Tarique Rahman on matters of mutual interest and ways to advance ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Dinesh Trivedi Meets Bangladesh PM

During his meeting with Tarique Rahman on Monday, Trivedi conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi and reiterated India’s commitment to working with the Bangladeshi administration and its people in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and explored avenues for strengthening India-Bangladesh relations with a people-centric approach.

The engagement took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Trivedi also shared his experience of serving in Dhaka over the previous two months.

Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request

The meeting assumed significance as Bangladesh has expressed hope that India will expedite the extradition process involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following a student-led uprising in 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office, Dhaka also reiterated its request for India to return individuals it alleges were involved in the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi, a prominent figure associated with the July uprising who was shot on December 12, 2025.

Tarique Rahman stressed the need to create a suitable environment to take forward relations between Bangladesh and India.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and other officials attended the meeting.

India-Bangladesh Ties Amid Diplomatic Friction

The latest high-level engagements come amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries following a virtual press interaction by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5.

The event, organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia to mark the second anniversary of her ouster, prompted strong objections from Dhaka.

During the interaction, Hasina said she remained determined to return to Bangladesh in December and restore democracy, while acknowledging the possibility of imprisonment or a death sentence upon her return.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently registered a strong protest and said the development had affected public sentiment and complicated efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

India has said the government had no involvement in the event. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was organised by a private media entity and clarified that New Delhi did not endorse views expressed at the forum.

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Trump, PM Modi will resolve tariff issue over Russian oil trade, says US official

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro said Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the issue over US tariff threats linked to India’s Russian oil trade.

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US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the issue surrounding the threat of US tariffs linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro said on Tuesday.

Navarro’s remarks came days after the US Senate passed a bill authorising the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the top five purchasers of Russian oil. The measure argues that such purchases directly contribute to financing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Navarro comments on India’s Russian oil trade

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Navarro said India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia before the Ukraine war began in 2022.

He alleged that India became heavily involved in the trade after Russia’s invasion and sold refined products on behalf of Russia, which he said helped support the Russian war effort.

“Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterwards it got heavily involved,” Navarro said.

The White House adviser also claimed that the issue had since been resolved and attributed some of the shift in India’s Russian oil trade to an opinion article he recently wrote in the Financial Times.

Trump and Modi will resolve issue, Navarro says

Navarro said the relationship between Trump and Modi would help address the tariff-related issue.

“The president and your prime minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves,” he said, adding that it was not his place to intervene.

His comments come amid US concerns over countries purchasing Russian oil and proposed measures aimed at imposing additional tariffs on major buyers.

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US Senate passes Russia sanctions bill, India-China face 100% tariff risk

The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill that could allow 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

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The US Senate has approved a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China.

The legislation was passed by an 86-11 vote and will now move to the US House of Representatives, which is scheduled to reconvene on August 31.

The bill is named in honour of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died on July 11. Graham had pushed for tougher sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

India and China among major Russian energy buyers

The legislation gives the US president the power to impose tariffs on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas.

India and China are among those countries, along with Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia.

The bill also contains an exception for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and taking steps to reduce their dependence on Russian supplies.

What does the Russia sanctions bill contain?

Apart from the proposed tariffs, the legislation includes sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian political and military officials, financial institutions and energy projects.

The bill would also expand US sanctions to older and reflagged oil tankers allegedly used by Moscow to bypass existing restrictions on Russian oil and energy revenues.

At the same time, the White House would have the option to waive sanctions or restrictions if the president certifies to Congress that doing so is in the national interest.

Bill also extends Iran sanctions law

The legislation also contains a provision related to Iran. It would extend the expiration date of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031.

The law penalises companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector.

The bill’s passage in the Senate marks the next step in the US legislative process, but it still needs approval from the House of Representatives before it can move forward.

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