US President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next ten days whether to invoke sanctions provisions that could affect countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said on Thursday.
What the envoy said
Speaking to Bloomberg at the New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Gor said legislation passed by the US Congress gives the President authority to impose penalties on countries buying Russian energy or helping others evade existing sanctions. He added that Trump had not imposed sanctions on any country under the law so far, and that the legislation requires the President to make a determination within 30 days of its passage.
When asked whether India could receive relief or exemptions from the proposed measures, Gor said the decision would rest with Trump. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan backing in the US Senate, with 86 of 100 senators voting in favour.
Gor stressed that the measures were not directed at any specific country. "The goal is not to punish anyone. The goal is to try to bring an end to this war," he said. The provisions cover three areas — oil purchases, gas purchases, and assistance in evading sanctions — and India falls into one of those categories along with several other countries.
Energy and trade in focus
Gor acknowledged that the administration understands countries cannot immediately discontinue existing energy supplies, but said Washington wants to work with partners to gradually reduce the flow of funds toward the war.
The ambassador also expressed confidence that India and the United States would conclude a trade agreement soon, saying substantial progress had been made and that the broad framework of the deal was already in place. The first phase of the agreement has been finalised and is undergoing legal drafting, according to India's trade secretary.
Sources:
- "Trump to decide in 10 days": US envoy on bill threatening 100% tariffs on India, China, others — Hindustan Times
- Trump to decide on Russia oil sanctions within 10 days, US envoy says — Outlook India
What the envoy said
Speaking to Bloomberg at the New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Gor said legislation passed by the US Congress gives the President authority to impose penalties on countries buying Russian energy or helping others evade existing sanctions. He added that Trump had not imposed sanctions on any country under the law so far, and that the legislation requires the President to make a determination within 30 days of its passage.
When asked whether India could receive relief or exemptions from the proposed measures, Gor said the decision would rest with Trump. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan backing in the US Senate, with 86 of 100 senators voting in favour.
Gor stressed that the measures were not directed at any specific country. "The goal is not to punish anyone. The goal is to try to bring an end to this war," he said. The provisions cover three areas — oil purchases, gas purchases, and assistance in evading sanctions — and India falls into one of those categories along with several other countries.
Energy and trade in focus
Gor acknowledged that the administration understands countries cannot immediately discontinue existing energy supplies, but said Washington wants to work with partners to gradually reduce the flow of funds toward the war.
The ambassador also expressed confidence that India and the United States would conclude a trade agreement soon, saying substantial progress had been made and that the broad framework of the deal was already in place. The first phase of the agreement has been finalised and is undergoing legal drafting, according to India's trade secretary.
Sources:
- "Trump to decide in 10 days": US envoy on bill threatening 100% tariffs on India, China, others — Hindustan Times
- Trump to decide on Russia oil sanctions within 10 days, US envoy says — Outlook India