Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has sharply criticized the United States' decision to cease renewing waivers that allowed certain purchases of Iranian and Russian oil without facing US sanctions. Sibal asserted that America's newfound energy self-sufficiency empowers it to "muscle-flex" on the global stage, an action he described as irresponsible.
US Ends Waivers for Iranian and Russian Oil
The US government recently confirmed it would not renew waivers pertaining to sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil. This policy shift means countries can no longer purchase these oil supplies without incurring US penalties. The waiver for Iranian oil, which had allowed approximately 140 million barrels to enter global markets and alleviate supply pressures, expired on April 19. A similar waiver for Russian oil had expired earlier.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at a White House briefing, explicitly stated, "We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil." He clarified that any oil covered by previous waivers, specifically "oil that was on the water prior to March 11," has now been utilized.
Sibal: US "Playing Games" with Global Supplies
Kanwal Sibal strongly condemned the US stance, stating it was "irresponsible" to "play games with global oil supplies" and inflict damage on the economies of oil-consuming nations. He argued that the US is treating other countries like "puppets" through an "arbitrary exercise of power" to grant or deny permissions based on its interests.
"Because the US is now self-sufficient in energy, it can do this muscle-flexing," Sibal remarked. He further noted that while high oil prices benefit US oil companies with "profit bonanzas," they simultaneously create "a political negative with the American consumer" due to increased prices at the pump.
Sibal warned that such "hegemonic reflexes" from America would compel "victim countries" to actively seek ways to shield themselves from future arbitrary actions. These decisions mark a clear departure from the previous administration's efforts to use sanctions waivers as a tool to increase global oil supplies and mitigate rising energy prices.