Overview
- Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar that a sovereign India should not take dictation from any foreign power on energy decisions.
- The United States has granted a 30-day waiver permitting Indian refiners to buy Russian crude, described by Washington as a step to steady global supplies during the conflict in the Middle East.
- US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the waiver is designed to support market stability without delivering significant economic gains to Russia.
- India has confirmed it is continuing to import Russian oil under the temporary waiver, according to reports citing government confirmation.
- Abdullah referenced the UPA era to argue for independent decision-making, recalling Manmohan Singh’s insistence that India acts solely in its national interest.