Washington, Mar 11 US President Donald Trump has approved a temporary waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets disrupted by tensions involving Iran, the White House said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision followed consultations between the President, the Treasury Department and the national security team.
The waiver allows India to accept Russian oil shipments that were already in transit, and the administration does not expect the measure to significantly benefit Russia financially.
The announcement came as the White House provided updates on Operation Epic Fury, under which US forces have struck over 5,000 targets in Iran over the past 10 days.
Officials said Iran’s ballistic missile attacks have dropped by over 90 per cent and drone attacks by around 35 per cent. More than 50 Iranian naval vessels have also been destroyed.
The US administration also reiterated its commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to ensure uninterrupted global energy flows, including offering political risk insurance for tankers and possible naval escorts if required.
