US Grants India a 30-Day Russian Oil Waiver Amid Hormuz Tensions

The United States has granted India a 30-day waiver to buy Russian oil, a move issued on Thursday as the Iran war threatens oil flows. The temporary relief comes as West Asia tensions escalate and market volatility grows.

New Delhi has in recent months been increasing its crude imports from the United States and West Asia. The 30-day window means India can source Russian crude for a month under the waiver terms, even as it looks to diversify supplies to avoid disruption.

Oil prices surged on the news, with Brent crude around 85.41 dollars per barrel and WTI around 81.01 dollars per barrel, the strongest one day jump since May 2020. India has been importing more US crude, which in November 2025 reached 2.7 million tonnes and accounted for about 13.2 percent of total imports. The rise in imports followed almost a 92 percent increase from April to November 2025 compared with the previous year.

In the past, the United States had slapped a 25 percent tariff on Russian crude, and some White House voices had accused India of aiding Russia's operations in Ukraine. The new waiver signals a pragmatic shift as policymakers weigh energy security against political pressure.

Analysts say the waiver helps India weather possible supply snags while the Strait of Hormuz remains a chokepoint and tensions widen in West Asia. By allowing a short term Russian source, New Delhi can steady flows to its refiners and manage costs in a volatile market.

The episode underscores how intertwined energy politics have become as Iran's actions, and the wider conflict, ripple through global markets. The situation remains fluid as governments balance strategic risk with energy needs.

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