A day after U.S. denied extending the duration of waivers for procurement of Russian and Iranian crude, officials following the development informed the Indian government is in “wait and watch” mode given the frequent changes in United States’ policies.

The U.S.’ Dept of Treasury in March 12 and March 20 this year had extended waivers on purchase of oil from the two countries amidst the impact on oil supplies globally because of the escalating tensions in West Asia, especially at the crucial energy route Strait of Hormuz.

The waiver on purchase of Russian oil, which also included that from sanctioned entities, expired April 11 whilst the waiver on Iranian oil stranded in seas is set to expire April 19.

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On Wednesday (April 15, 2026), Scott Bessent, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury has categorically denied renewing the waiver on both Russian and Iranian crude.

The official told The Hindu that procuring energy from sanctioned entities of the two countries has become virtually impossible for private refiners in India. They added that Indian oil companies are seeking out companies that have not been sanctioned although they may not fill the shortfall in energy demand.

As a result, the official said the government is actively diversifying energy purchases from more countries, including Africa, South America, and increasingly from the U.S. itself.

In fact, on Wednesday, Sergio Gor, Washington’s Ambassador to India met Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking to “advance the U.S.-India energy partnership”.

In a social media post, the Ambassador to India mentioned, “Expanding access to reliable American energy will further deepen our economic ties and support long-term energy security and diversity for both nations.”

According to maritime intelligence services provider Kpler, there has an approximately 90% surge in import of Russian barrels between February and March this year. New Delhi purchased approximately 2 million barrels per day of the crude in March this year.

Further, on Iranian crude, according to Kpler, two vessels, namely Jaya and Felicity, carrying about 2 million barrels each of crude from the West Asian nation have arrived at Odisha’s Paradip Port and Gujarat’s Sikka Port.