US envoy Sergio Gor: India committed to not buying Russian oil
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reaffirmed that India has committed to not purchasing Russian oil, aligning with US efforts to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Gor emphasized President Trump's goal of ending the conflict and his desire to halt Russian crude sales globally. He also highlighted that India is actively diversifying its oil sources, including potential discussions to procure Venezuelan oil, and noted that an interim trade deal with India was nearing completion.
The US envoy's comments came shortly after India joined the Pax Silica initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy resources. While Gor stressed that this decision was not specifically about India but part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia, he acknowledged the country's existing efforts to diversify its oil imports based on national interests and market conditions. This aligns with India's long-standing policy of balancing its energy requirements while navigating global geopolitics.
The Indian foreign ministry clarified that energy sourcing decisions are made by oil companies after evaluating factors like cost, availability, and risk. This approach reflects India's pragmatic stance in balancing economic and strategic priorities amid shifting international dynamics. The US has also offered incentives to facilitate this transition, including slashing tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, as part of the interim trade deal.
The situation underscores the growing tension between major powers over energy resources and geopolitical conflicts. For readers interested in global affairs, this highlights India's strategic role as a key player in US efforts to isolate Russia while maintaining its economic interests. The evolving dynamics of India's energy policy and international alliances will continue to shape regional and global stability.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026