Congress leader Kharge hits out at govt over Russia oil sanctions pressure

Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, has accused the Modi government of capitulating to international pressure over sanctions related to Russian oil and gas purchases. His comments follow a vote in the US House of Representatives to advance a bill that would grant President Donald Trump authority to impose 100 percent tariffs on India and other countries that maintain energy trade with Russia.

The proposed legislation would also extend existing sanctions against Iran. The US measure has reignited debate in India over balancing strategic autonomy with maintaining crucial energy trade relationships. India has significantly increased oil purchases from Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kharge's remarks underscore growing political divisions within India over how the government should navigate competing pressures from Western nations and traditional energy suppliers. The Congress leader's criticism reflects opposition concerns about India's external policy decisions and their economic implications.

The timing of the US House vote coincides with broader trade tensions, as the Trump administration signals an aggressive approach to tariffs and sanctions. India's energy security has remained a key policy priority, with Russian crude providing cost advantages for Indian refiners and contributing significantly to the country's import requirements.