WASHINGTON : Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Wright stressed that while America values its growing partnership with India, continued imports of Russian crude undermine efforts to end the war in Ukraine. “I’m a huge fan of India. It is an awesome ally of America. But it is also buying Russian oil,” he said. “We want to end the Ukraine war and I believe India also wants that. America wants nothing more than to expand energy trade with India.”

Wright’s comments followed President Donald Trump’s sharper tone at the United Nations General Assembly, where he accused India and China of being the “primary funders” of Russia’s war by purchasing discounted oil. Trump threatened “a very strong round of powerful tariffs” unless such imports stop. The administration has already imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, including an additional 25% duty tied directly to Russian oil purchases, among the steepest levies imposed globally.

Despite tensions, India signaled openness to boosting American energy imports. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, in New York for trade talks, said: “Being close friends, natural partners, our energy security goals will have a very high element of US involvement. We expect to increase our trade with the US on energy products in the years to come.”

Wright confirmed he held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the UNGA, describing energy cooperation as having a “bright future.” He outlined potential collaboration in natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and clean cooking fuels, praising India as “a star” in the use of liquid petroleum gas.

Since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Russian crude has grown to nearly 40% of India’s total oil imports, up from virtually nothing. Analysts estimate India has saved between $13 billion and $26 billion by sourcing discounted barrels from Moscow. India has maintained that its energy policy is guided by market needs and national interests.

“We don’t want to punish India. We want to end the war, and we want to grow our relations with India,” Wright emphasized.