NextFin news, US Commerce Secretary Lutnick declared on Thursday in Washington that the United States will move forward with sorting out a trade deal with India only after India stops buying Russian oil. This statement was made amid ongoing discussions about strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Lutnick emphasized that the US views India's continued imports of Russian oil as a significant obstacle to advancing trade negotiations. He linked the resolution of trade issues directly to India ending its reliance on Russian energy supplies.
The comments come as the US seeks to tighten economic and strategic relations with India, while also aiming to reduce global dependence on Russian oil following geopolitical tensions involving Russia.
India has maintained that its imports of Russian oil are driven by the diversion of traditional supplies and has described some US actions as unjustified. However, the US position, as articulated by Lutnick, clearly ties trade progress to changes in India's energy sourcing.
The announcement was reported by multiple news outlets including Firstpost and The Indian Express on Thursday, September 11, 2025, reflecting the latest developments in US-India trade and diplomatic relations.
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