Overview

• US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged New Delhi to stop buying discounted Russian oil, saying India can source from any country except Russia and stressing Washington’s interest in expanding trade in LNG, crude, coal, nuclear and clean cooking fuels.
• Piyush Goyal said India expects a larger role for the US in its energy security and signalled higher purchases of American energy, while urging that trade not be weaponised and highlighting work on critical minerals and nuclear policy alignment.
• A senior State Department official acknowledged turbulence but called ties positive, indicated a Modi–Trump meeting is likely, and said planning is underway for the next Quad leaders’ summit.
• The punitive tariff burden on Indian goods remains about 50%, including a 25% penalty linked to Russian oil purchases, as negotiators pursue a phased trade agreement after five completed rounds and recent ‘productive’ sessions in New Delhi and New York.
• Officials said talks on India’s Russian energy purchases are proceeding positively with a resolution expected in the coming weeks, and reports say the administration is preparing to nominate Sergio Gor as ambassador to New Delhi.