Don’t want to punish India, but…: US Energy Secretary on Russian oil imports

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday urged India to reconsider its purchase of Russian oil, saying New Delhi has plenty of alternative sources. Speaking to ANI, Wright framed the issue as both a moral and strategic choice, arguing that buying Russian crude indirectly funds atrocities in Ukraine while offering opportunities for deeper energy cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.

“We don’t want to punish India. You can buy oil from every nation on the earth, just not Russian oil. That’s our position. America has oil to sell, so does everybody else,” Wright told ANI.

#WATCH | Speaking to ANI on India-Russia oil trade, Secretary for the US Department of Energy, Chris Wright says, "There are lots of oil exporters in the world. India doesn't need to buy Russian oil. India buys Russian oil because it is cheaper. Nobody wants to buy Russian oil; pic.twitter.com/6hW8o61BYO— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025