Trump plans to import Russian diesel, prompting India to weigh its own purchases
The Trump administration is considering a waiver to bring Russian diesel into the United States, while India monitors the move for its own energy strategy.
According to unnamed senior sources, the Trump administration is exploring a carve-out that would allow the United States to import diesel from Russia without violating the Russia and Iran Sanctions Act. While the move could be seen as contradictory after sanctioning India for Russian oil purchases, officials suggest a specific exemption may be drafted. India is closely analyzing the announcement, concerned about its own diesel imports from Moscow and the broader impact on Indo-U.S. relations, which have been tense over a pending trade pact and growing U.S. ties with Pakistan.
President Trump said Russia would deliver more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments up to several million tonnes, with the goal of reducing fuel prices in the United States and Europe. The proposal comes amid higher diesel prices linked to supply constraints through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
U.S. diesel imports from Russia could reshape energy markets and affect India-U.S. trade relations.
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