US approval for Russian oil purchases: Sanjay Raut attacks the central government; opposition leaders also raise sharp questions

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has reacted sharply to the US granting India a one-month extension to purchase oil from Russia. Linking the issue to India's foreign policy and political independence, he said that no country should have the right to decide when and how much oil India should purchase.

Concerns about external pressure on foreign policy

Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut said, "It is beyond comprehension that another country would give such 'permission' to India." He further stated that such permission is usually granted by a powerful country to a weaker or subordinate country. If India has been granted a one-month extension to purchase oil from Russia, it means that our foreign policy is being dictated by another country. He called this a worrying sign for India's political autonomy.

Accusation of being 'subservient and servile to America.'

Sanjay Raut alleged that seeking permission from the US to purchase oil from Russia shows that India is subservient and servile to America. He said, "Now, India will do whatever America says. We have no voice or role in foreign policy." Sanjay Raut further stated that if the country needs energy and it is beneficial to buy oil from Russia, the Indian government should make the decision on its own, not based on the approval of another country. He appealed to India's political leadership and government to take a clear and strong stand on this matter.

Congress also raised questions and cornered the government.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "As per the trade deal, we are reducing import taxes, while America is increasing them. We promised America in the trade deal that we would remove or reduce import taxes in the agricultural sector, and it is realistic that America will be happy. The US Treasury Secretary's statement regarding Russian oil is very objectionable. Who is America to give us a certificate? This is an attack on our sovereignty. Nixon and Kissinger used similar language in 1971, and Indira Gandhi gave a befitting reply." Just two days after our Prime Minister's visit to Israel, the US and Israel carried out targeted attacks on Iran. The entire government is silent on this. This will be raised in Parliament along with the trade deal issue.

RJD's sharp attack

RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha criticized the US Treasury Department for granting a temporary 30-day exemption to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "This has nothing to do with politics. They have used derogatory language. Where are our Foreign Minister, Petroleum Minister, and Prime Minister Modi?"