US, India in active talks on oil supply routes; energy engagement may yield updates 'very soon', says Ambassador Sergio Gor

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor

• US and India are in talks on oil cooperation and supply deals
• US urges India to diversify oil sources, avoid Russian crude
• Indian refiners purchased 4 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.

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The United States and India are engaged in “active negotiations” on oil-related cooperation and potential supply arrangements, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on February 20, indicating that discussions between energy authorities of the two countries are ongoing. While the envoy declined to elaborate on specific supply routes or changes in import dynamics, he confirmed that the US Department of Energy is in talks with Indian counterparts and expressed hope that developments could emerge shortly.

Speaking at a select media briefing, Gor was asked about how oil supplies linked to recent policy developments might reach India, including whether sourcing dynamics involving Venezuela could change.

“Some of that aspect has not been announced yet. But there are active negotiations. The Department of Energy is speaking to the Ministry of Energy here. And so we're hoping to have some news on that very soon,” Gor said.

Russian oil

Gor also addressed broader questions relating to India’s oil sourcing strategy and Washington’s stance on Russian crude purchases, framing the issue within the United States’ geopolitical priorities.

“We have seen India diversify on their oil. There is a commitment. This is not about India. The United States doesn't want anyone buying Russian oil. The president has been very clear on this. He wants this war to end. And so, anyone who is in a way still involved with that conflict is something that the president wants to see come to an end in hopes of peace coming with that,” Gor said.

The comments reflect the long-standing US position discouraging purchases of Russian oil following the Ukraine conflict. India has, however, expanded procurement from multiple regions in recent years, including the Middle East and the United States.

Executive order on oil policy

Referring to recent policy action by Washington, the ambassador indicated that executive measures connected to oil policy had already been formalised.

“So that is making its way through the pipeline. The executive order specifically on oil was already signed,” Gor said.

The Trump administration has tapped trading giants Vitol Group and Trafigura Group to market Venezuelan crude after the US seized President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year and asserted control over the nation’s energy industry, with Indian buyers snapping up some initial cargoes recently.

Refiners including Indian Oil Corp., Bharat Petroleum Corp. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. have reportedly purchased about 4 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.