Trump's Russia Oil Waiver For India 'Dangerous, Self-Defeating And Indefensible,' Say Democrats

Congressional Democrats are demanding that the Donald Trump administration revoke a temporary waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil, warning the move rewards adversaries while U.S. energy prices soar.

Russian Oil Waiver Sparks Controversy

Last week, the Treasury Department issued a 30-day sanctions waiver enabling Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.

Officials said it was meant to ease global supply pressures as the Iran war disrupts shipping at the Strait of Hormuz.

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called the waiver "dangerous, self-defeating, and indefensible" and said it constituted "an inexplicable act of material benefit to the enemy."

The lawmakers cited reports that Russia has aided Iran in targeting U.S. forces in the region.

"By providing this waiver, you have signaled that the United States will reward attacks on our troops, not deter them," the letter said.

Liccardo and Gallego also criticized the administration for failing to secure alternative oil sources for allies, warning the waiver allows Russia to profit from reserves previously constrained by sanctions.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the move as "pragmatic," saying it diverts Russian oil that would otherwise go to China and could help stabilize prices in the short term.

On reports of Russian intelligence sharing with Iran, Wright said, "There have been rumors of that, we don't know if that's true or not."

US–India Trade Deal And Russian Oil Controversy

On Saturday, Anthony Scaramucci accused Russia of aiding Iran in targeting U.S. troops and criticized the Trump administration for loosening restrictions on Russian oil, warning it could boost Moscow's revenue and threaten American forces.

Last month, President Trump announced a major U.S.–India trade deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that lowered U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% and ended India's Russian oil purchases.

India is committed to importing at least $500 billion in U.S. products over five years, benefiting sectors like energy, technology, and aircraft, including Boeing orders worth $70–100 billion.

The announcement lifted U.S.-listed shares of Indian companies, including Infosys Ltd (NYSE: INFY), Wipro Ltd (NYSE: WIT), and HDFC Bank Ltd (NYSE: HDB).

Analysts said the deal would gradually shift supply chains, giving U.S. multinationals more alternatives to China.

Modi expressed enthusiasm on X, thanking Trump and highlighting the benefits for India's 1.4 billion people.

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