US seeking stronger energy partnership with India: US energy chief
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The US is seeking to expand energy cooperation with India while simultaneously imposing steep tariffs as pressure over New Delhi's rising imports of Russian oil.
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks during a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that Washington intends to expand its partnership with India across natural gas, nuclear energy, coal, and liquefied petroleum gas, presenting New Delhi as a crucial ally in the global energy landscape.
"We want to expand our energy cooperation with India in natural gas and coal, in nuclear, in clean cooking fuels, liquid petroleum gas. India has been a star in that area. So we want nothing more than more trade energy cooperation with India," Wright told reporters.
He described himself as "a huge fan of India," calling New Delhi "an awesome ally of the United States" with "a fast-growing economy, a truly dynamic society."
The upbeat message, however, came alongside renewed tensions over India's purchases of Russian crude.
Since 2022, New Delhi has sharply increased imports of discounted Russian oil, which now account for more than a third of its crude supply.
Washington has sought to curb that reliance, with Wright noting that it was the driving factor behind the imposition of additional tariffs.
"We don't want to punish India. We want to end the war, and we want to grow our relations with India," he said.
Tariffs strain ties
The new tariffs, ordered by President Donald Trump, took effect on August 27 and raised total duties on Indian imports to 50%, among the highest levels set by Washington in recent years.
The measures followed stalled trade negotiations and accusations from US officials that India was undermining Western sanctions pressure on Moscow through its oil purchases.
India has condemned the tariffs as "unwarranted and unfair," while stressing that it remains open to dialogue.
Economists in New Delhi warn that the duties will weigh heavily on Indian exports such as textiles, gems, and chemicals.
At the same time, the dispute is nudging India to explore new markets and deepen trade within Asia, where China, despite its role as a strategic rival, has reemerged as India's largest trading partner.
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