Why does India need US Permission to Buy Russian Oil? Kejriwal Questions Modi

United States had recently applied 25% penalty tax on India for buying oil from Russia. Now following the war with Iran, US has granted a 30 day relaxation on India, allowing it to buy oil from Russia.

Following this development, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Modi led government and asked why India has to be dictated by another country on what to do or what not to do. "Why India needs permission from the US to buy oil from Russia?" Kejriwal asks.

In a post on X, Kejriwal asked, “Who is the United States to allow India to buy oil from Russia? Why does India need permission from the US?” His remarks come amid discussions surrounding India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.

The seemingly furious AAP leader was upset for the fact that Modi has bowed before Trump, as if accepting US's supremacy.. He claimed that India had watched “with great pain” as the govt had not spoken strongly against US president Trump.

Kejriwal further added that India, a nation which is thousands of years old, with 1.4 billion people, has stood with great pride over the years, without ever bowing in front of any other country. He said that bowing in front Trump like this reflected weak leadership on India's part, and asked the Prime Minister to clarify if there was any such particular situation that has forced or blackmailed Modi.

“If there is indeed any compulsion that Trump is taking advantage of, then for the sake of India and its national interests, please resign,” Kejriwal wrote, adding that people of this country is deeply disturbed after seeing India's head bowed down.

The United States had earlier imposed a 25% punitive tariff on India over its purchases of Russian crude, though the measure was withdrawn last month. Now, amid supply disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, Washington has granted New Delhi a temporary 30-day exemption to continue buying oil from Moscow.

The Centre has not yet officially responded to Kejriwal’s remarks. The issue comes at a time when India’s energy imports and geopolitical relations continue to be closely watched amid global developments involving Russia and Western nations.

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