Washington: Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, has expressed deep displeasure with India's continued oil imports from Russia, describing it as a source of frustration in the bilateral relationship and noting that such purchases are helping to fund Ukraine's war effort.
Rubio informed Fox Radio's Brian Kilmeade that India is an ally. It's a strategic partner. Like any aspect of international policy, you will not agree on everything all of the time.
India has massive energy needs, including the capacity to purchase oil, coal, gas, and other essentials to power its economy, as every other country does, and it gets them from Russia since Russian oil is restricted and cheap, which means that in many cases, they are selling it below the global price due to sanctions, according to him.
The US State Secretary emphasized the implications of this trade for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Unfortunately, this is assisting to support Russia's war effort. So it is undeniably a source of contention in our relationship with India, but not the only one. We also have several other areas of collaboration with them, he added.
However, I believe the President is conveying his strong displeasure that, despite the availability of several other oil providers, India continues to buy so much from Russia, which effectively contributes to the war effort and allows this conflict to continue in Ukraine, he said.
Rubio's remarks came after President Donald Trump's post on Truth Social, in which he declared a 25% duty and other sanctions on India beginning August 1, citing the country's Russian oil imports accounting for 35% of total supply in the first half of the year.
Rubio also discussed the broader context of US participation with Russia and possible penalty measures, stating that "The President has waited over six months now and has made every effort possible... We have made no progress. " He said Trump has options such as secondary restrictions on Russia's oil exports and sectoral banking sanctions if Moscow does not genuinely pursue peace.
Rubio brushed off Russian warnings, describing former president Dmitry Medvedev's recent statements as aggressive but insignificant. He is not a significant figure in Russian politics; yet, he is someone in an official role who is making provocative remarks. I don't believe that will make a difference one way or the other, he stated.
He also ruled out the chance of a full-fledged US-Russia war, stating that it was "not even a fathomable thing... I believe what you worry more about is a skirmish or a miscalculation... since the Russians are not very good at conventional weaponry, they would almost always have to rely on some other means such as a tactical nuclear weapon. "
Commenting on some Western nations' acceptance of a Palestinian state, Rubio termed the action pointless and counterproductive, adding that it merely empowers Hamas and impedes ceasefire efforts. There can be no Palestinian state unless Israel consents to it... It is counterproductive, he claims.
He also thanked Arab countries such as Qatar for pressing Hamas to halt fire, but condemned the impact of international declarations recognizing Palestine. Israel really made numerous concessions that Hamas had requested... but Hamas returned and simply rejected the deal. Furthermore, Hamas denied it on the same day that France's Macron made his announcement, he said.
Rubio emphasized China's complicated relations and latest trade negotiations: We have several problems on which we disagree with China... yet a mature foreign policy necessitates a careful balance of interests. He said, There are vulnerabilities that we need to fix... and I believe it is past time for us to be accountable... before being cut off at the conclusion of the conversation.
Rubio also aggressively supported his previous Senate investigation into 2016 US election interference, stating, "There was zero, zilch proof whatsoever—no evidence of any kind—that the Trump campaign in any way conspired with the Russians. " He condemned the handling of the Steele document, describing it as a falsehood that cost millions of dollars in investigations, all in pursuit of a ruse.
He condemned the US and foreign media for ignoring the predicament of Israeli captives held by Hamas.
To be honest, we've provided more finance than anybody else... Do you know what the cameras don't capture? The misery of 20 individuals who are now being kept hostage by Hamas in tunnels.
Rubio's comments emphasize rising tensions between Washington and its major allies, notably over Russia's current conflict in Ukraine and the changing geopolitical environment surrounding China, Israel, and West Asia.
