New Delhi: Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, a possible trade deal between India and America is in the headlines. Negotiations on this deal are at the final stage. Here, America has taken a big decision and announced a temporary exemption of 30 days for India to buy Russian oil. After this announcement, it was a news of relief for India. But America is not desisting from its bluster and statements. First, America’s Deputy Secretary of State in India, Christopher Landau, talked about not repeating ‘China’s mistake’ with India and now America’s Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has said that ‘Indians are very good actors.’ In fact, oil politics has always been the most powerful weapon in world politics. Since the Russia-Ukraine war, America and Western countries have imposed many sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, keeping in mind its national interests, India continued to buy cheap crude oil from Russia. But America put a condition in the trade deal that now India will have to buy oil from America instead of Russia. If India does not do this then higher tariffs will be imposed on India.

A few days ago, America seemed angry about buying Russian oil from India. But now the same America is announcing a 30-day exemption for India to buy Russian oil. Scott Besant clearly said that America had earlier asked India to stop buying banned Russian oil and India also respected that request. But now, in view of the increasing pressure in the global oil market, America itself is giving temporary permission to India to buy Russian oil. This is why the question is being raised, is America out of compulsion rolling out the red carpet for India?

Scott Besant’s statement and changed American strategy

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said in the Fox Business program that India had earlier respected American requests. America had asked India to stop purchasing banned Russian oil and India did so. According to Besant, in view of this cooperation, America is now giving temporary relief to India.
• He said that America has given a relaxation of 30 days, so that India can buy the Russian oil already present in the sea. Its objective is to reduce sudden shortages in the global oil market. Besant said that there is still a large amount of banned Russian oil in the sea and if it is allowed to come into the market, it could increase the supply.
• He also said that earlier India was planning to compensate Russian imports with American oil. But to reduce temporary pressure in the global market, America itself allowed India to take Russian oil. This statement has come at a time when oil prices are increasing rapidly due to increasing tension in the Middle East.

Scott Besant said that India had earlier respected American requests.

Why did Scott Besant call India a ‘very good actor’?

This statement of Scott Besant actually points towards India’s attitude when America requested India to reduce the purchase of Russian oil. According to Besant, India had respected American restrictions and requests at that time. That’s why he called Bharat a ‘very good actor’. This word was used here to praise India’s behavior as an ally, although American strategic interests are also clearly visible behind it.

Why did America allow India to buy Russian oil?

America has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil because supply pressure is increasing in the global oil market. Oil prices are rising rapidly due to increasing tensions in the Middle East and security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, to bring additional supply in the market, America has given permission to sell the Russian oil present in the sea to countries like India.

Will this affect the global oil market?

According to experts, if a large amount of Russian oil present in the sea comes into the market, it may increase the global supply. This can prevent sudden surge in oil prices. At present the prices of Brent crude have reached around $90 per barrel. If tension increases in the Middle East, prices may go above $ 100 per barrel.

Is this policy of America permanent?

Right now America has given a temporary relaxation of only 30 days. Its purpose is to reduce the immediate pressure in the global market. America may impose strict sanctions again in future. Therefore, this policy is not considered to be permanent but a temporary decision taken according to the circumstances.