NextFin news, On Friday, September 12, 2025, in New Delhi, Sergio Gor, the US nominee for ambassador to India, stated at his Senate confirmation hearing that the United States wants India to open its market to American oil and petroleum products. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the US and India over India's continued purchase of Russian oil.
US President Donald Trump and his administration have imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, accusing India of indirectly funding Russia's war in Ukraine through its Russian oil purchases. Trump and his officials have used terms such as "India is funding Russia's Ukraine war," "a laundromat for the Kremlin," and "New Delhi's blood money" to criticize India's stance.
However, Sergio Gor's remarks suggest that the US's primary interest lies in expanding its oil exports to India, particularly targeting the Indian middle class as consumers of American petroleum products. This indicates a business-driven approach behind the US pressure on India rather than solely geopolitical concerns.
The trade dispute has also affected broader India-US relations, with a stalled trade deal contributing to tensions. The Trump administration is reportedly pushing the Group of Seven (G7) countries to impose higher tariffs, ranging from 50 to 100 percent, on India and China for their Russian oil imports, aiming to increase economic pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the European Union is considering accelerating its phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and coordinating sanctions with the US. Trump has also urged the EU to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from India and China due to their reliance on Russian oil, a move that China has firmly opposed.
India continues to balance its energy needs and geopolitical interests, maintaining imports of Russian crude despite international pressure. The US's push for India to buy American oil reflects ongoing efforts to reshape global energy trade dynamics amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
These developments were reported by India Today on Friday, September 12, 2025, citing statements from Sergio Gor and official US government actions.
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