Fri Sep 12 20:12:10 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

President Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, emphasized during his confirmation hearing that stopping India’s purchase of Russian oil is a “top priority” for the US administration. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this sentiment, suggesting that trade negotiations would only progress once India ceases buying Russian oil. These comments contrast with recent US outreach to India for trade ties and raise concerns about potential trade barriers. While the Indian government has consistently denied plans to cancel Russian oil imports, there’s been a recent decrease in Indian orders for Russian crude. Despite trade tensions, Gor highlighted the strong personal relationship between Trump and Modi.

**News Article:**

**US Ambassador Nominee: Ending India’s Russian Oil Imports a “Top Priority”**

**NEW DELHI, September 13, 2025:** The future of Indo-US trade relations appears to hinge on India’s energy policy, according to statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Gor stated unequivocally that halting India’s purchase of Russian oil, which accounts for a significant portion of its energy imports, is a “top priority” for the Trump administration. Mr. Lutnick went even further, implying that progress on a free trade agreement (FTA) is contingent upon India ceasing its Russian oil acquisitions. He described India’s purchasing of Russian oil as “nonsense.”

“Getting India to stop buying Russian oil is a top priority for this administration,” Gor told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

These pronouncements come despite recent US efforts to strengthen trade ties with India and raise questions about the US approach to international partnerships. Earlier this week, President Trump suggested that coming to an agreement with India on trade would be easy.

The Financial Times and CNBC TV also reported that Trump told European Union leaders to impose 100% tariffs on India and China for their purchases of Russian oil. EU trade negotiators in Delhi have made no comments on the issue.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to comment on the statements made by Mr. Gor and Mr. Lutnick. Government officials have consistently maintained that India’s energy policy is guided by its own market interests, though recent data suggests a decrease in Indian orders for Russian crude.

Despite the potential trade friction, Mr. Gor emphasized the strong personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, suggesting that this bond could help navigate any “hiccups” in the Indo-US relationship. He noted Trump had committed to travel to India for the Quad Summit, and has invited Indian Commerce and Trade officials to Washington next week to resume talks on a free trade agreement (FTA).

Read More