The United States is expressing a strong desire to strengthen its energy partnership with India, recognizing India's growing energy demands and economic dynamism. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has lauded India as an "awesome ally" and a "star" in clean cooking fuels, signaling the U.S.'s interest in expanding energy trade and collaboration across various sectors, including natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and clean cooking fuels.

Secretary Wright addressed a press conference, emphasizing his personal affinity for India and the U.S.'s commitment to increased energy interactions with the nation. He acknowledged India's rapidly growing energy demand, driven by increasing prosperity and opportunities for its people.

However, a point of friction exists due to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. Wright pointed out that the sanctioned Russian oil is being bought by countries like China, India, and Turkey, which in turn supports Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. This has led to the imposition of additional tariffs on Indian imports by the U.S.. Secretary Wright stated that President Trump's greatest passion is peace and that the U.S. is trying to use all available tools to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Despite these concerns, the U.S. maintains that it does not want to punish India. Instead, the U.S. aims to grow its relationship with India and believes that India has access to plenty of alternative oil sources. Wright has urged India to reconsider its imports of Russian oil, suggesting that the country is only buying it because it is cheaper and that purchasing it is indirectly funding the war in Ukraine. He clarified that the U.S. has oil to sell and that India can buy oil from every nation on Earth, except Russia.

Discussions have already begun with Indian counterparts to explore cooperation and future pathways between the two countries. Secretary Wright mentioned meeting with the Indian foreign minister and starting a dialogue about collaboration. The U.S. is actively seeking creative ways to end the war in Ukraine, which would also eliminate a source of friction in the U.S.-India relationship. The U.S. views India as a crucial partner and is dedicated to finding ways to enhance energy trade and cooperation while addressing concerns about India's energy choices.