Actor-politician Kamal Haasan criticised US President Donald Trump over Washington’s decision to grant India a temporary waiver concerning purchases of Russian oil, asserting that India is a sovereign nation that does not take directives from foreign governments. He said decisions related to energy security and foreign policy are taken independently in the national interest.
In an open letter posted on the social media platform X, the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam urged the US President to respect India’s autonomy in policymaking. His remarks followed the United States announcing a 30-day temporary waiver permitting Indian refineries to continue importing Russian energy supplies amid disruptions in global oil markets caused by escalating tensions in West Asia.
Addressing the US President directly, Haasan wrote that India is a free and sovereign country and does not accept instructions from external powers. He emphasised that India’s governance and policy decisions are made independently and urged the US administration to refrain from interfering in domestic or strategic matters.
Explaining the waiver decision, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measure was introduced at a time when global energy markets remain volatile. In a statement on X, he noted that India had previously complied with sanctions by reducing purchases of restricted Russian oil and that the temporary relaxation would help ease short-term supply gaps worldwide by allowing shipments already in transit to be received.
The waiver comes amid rising concerns that energy prices could surge due to escalating conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted supply chains and increased uncertainty in international oil markets.
The Government of India stated that the country’s energy supply remains stable and secure despite global volatility. In a statement shared by the Press Information Bureau, authorities said India has diversified crude sourcing from 27 countries to about 40, ensuring multiple alternative supply routes and reducing dependence on any single region.
Officials also reiterated that oil procurement decisions are guided strictly by national interest and economic considerations, with purchases made from sources offering the most competitive and affordable prices.
Global energy markets have faced heightened tension following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, which reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The developments have widened regional instability and intensified geopolitical risks.
Subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran have led to temporary shutdowns of several oil and gas facilities across the Gulf region. The crisis has also disrupted maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key passage that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments.
