Rubio defends Russia sanctions waiver, cites India as key US ally
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Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended President Donald Trump’s decision to grant a 60-day waiver from Russia-related sanctions, citing India’s importance as a US partner and its continued reliance on Russian energy.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Saturday, Rubio said Washington needed time to assess the economic consequences of imposing sanctions and tariffs simultaneously, particularly amid conflicts disrupting global energy supplies.
Responding to criticism from Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who argued that the waiver would benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, Rubio pointed out that the measures also affected countries such as India.
He acknowledged that India had diversified its energy sources but said shifting away from Russian supplies immediately would be difficult. He also described India as an important ally and partner of the United States.
Rubio said the administration was considering the combined impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions involving Iran, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. These developments, he warned, were adding pressure to global oil and diesel prices and creating wider economic challenges.
He rejected suggestions that allowing Russian diesel sales amounted to a concession to Moscow, arguing that the fuel would find buyers regardless of US restrictions.
India has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by domestic needs, affordability and supply security. Russian crude has become a significant part of its imports since the Ukraine war began in February 2022.
With IANS inputs