India Seeking US Approval for Oil Imports is National Humiliation

Dahlan Baqavi, National Vice President of the Social Democratic Party of India, has strongly criticized the Modi government for allowing India’s economic and diplomatic position to deteriorate to the point where the country must seek approval from the United States to secure essential energy supplies. The recent decision by the United States Treasury to grant a temporary license permitting Indian refineries to receive already loaded Russian oil cargoes is a deeply humiliating development. A nation of India’s size and strategic importance should never be forced to request permission from another country simply to conduct legitimate trade. This situation reflects the erosion of the independent foreign policy that India built over decades and exposes the failure of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and economic stability.

The present crisis did not arise overnight. It is the result of policy choices that placed India’s energy security under external pressure. In 2025, the administration of Donald Trump reportedly imposed punitive tariffs reaching nearly fifty percent on Indian exports in order to compel New Delhi to reduce its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. Those supplies had helped stabilize domestic fuel prices and supported the Indian economy during a volatile global market. Instead of firmly defending India’s independent economic interests, the Modi government entered negotiations that reportedly included commitments to scale down Russian imports in exchange for tariff relief. As a consequence, when energy markets are disrupted due to the escalating tensions around Iran and instability near the Strait of Hormuz, India now finds itself lacking the flexibility to secure supplies freely and must depend on emergency exemptions issued by Washington.

Reports also indicate that several Gulf countries are reconsidering economic arrangements with the United States in the context of the widening Iran conflict. Nations that have long been strong American allies, including those that continued their alignment with Washington even during the devastating war in Gaza, are now reassessing their economic commitments and strategic partnerships. While even these long standing allies are reevaluating their positions, the Modi government appears unable to defend India’s independent interests. The Social Democratic Party of India believes that India’s energy security and economic stability must never depend on foreign waivers or political pressure. Parliament must examine these developments transparently and hold the government accountable for policies that have weakened the country’s economic strength, diplomatic credibility, and sovereign decision making.