Rahul Gandhi says 30-day US waiver for Russian oil purchases exposes Modi govt’s autonomy claim

New Delhi  (Web Desk): The US Treasury Department’s decision to grant India a 30-day temporary approval to purchase oil from Russia has sparked sharp criticism of the Modi government and raised questions about India’s claim to an independent foreign policy.

Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Kharge have accused the government of compromising the nation’s economic sovereignty.

Rahul Gandhi questioned the government’s approach, asking, “Will Washington now decide from whom we can buy oil?” He further argued that looking to the United States for every significant policy decision undermines India’s dignity and credibility on the international stage.

Priyanka Kharge also criticized the government on social media platform X, stating, “Who gave the US the authority to allow India to buy Russian oil? The BJP has turned India’s foreign policy into a joke. The Modi government should show some courage.”

The temporary approval has highlighted growing concerns among opposition leaders about India’s ability to independently manage its energy imports and foreign policy decisions amid global geopolitical pressures.

The debate reflects broader apprehension over the influence of external powers on India’s strategic choices and the country’s capacity to assert its sovereignty in key economic and diplomatic matters.