Following a recent trip to India, Pakistan, and Nepal, US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has stated that Indian refiners are indicating plans to decrease their imports of Russian oil. This shift, according to Fitzpatrick, is a result of sustained pressure from the United States. During his two-week mission to South Asia, Fitzpatrick and his delegation held strategic discussions with senior Indian officials, including the External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisors. These discussions, combined with ongoing diplomatic efforts, reportedly led to early indications from Indian refiners about reducing their reliance on Russian oil. The backdrop to this development includes economic tensions, particularly the US imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian imports, with an additional 25% attributed to India’s purchases of Russian crude.
Fitzpatrick emphasized that this potential reduction would undermine Moscow’s ability to fund the war in Ukraine. He highlighted that direct engagement in India helped initiate signals of reduced Russian oil imports, which he views as a step toward weakening Moscow’s aggression. The congressional delegation also visited the US Embassy in New Delhi, met with diplomatic and security personnel, and visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Beyond India, the delegation visited Pakistan and Nepal, focusing on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional security.
