Congress's 'gangs of Epstein' swipe after India gets US waiver on Russian oil

The Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre after India received a 30-day waiver from the US to buy Russian oil currently stranded at sea as a result of the raging Middle East conflict.

According to officials, the waiver is aimed at easing pressure on global oil markets amid rising geopolitical tensions and supply concerns linked to the ongoing US-Iran war.

Reacting to the development, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the government’s position on Russian oil purchases and accused the government of letting India’s energy policy be dictated by Washington.

“Yesterday, we had challenged (Petroleum Minister) Hardeep Singh Puri to clarify India’s position on the purchase of Russian oil. Interestingly, the clarification arrived today — albeit from the US,” Khera said in a post on X.

He added that the permission appeared to be temporary and alleged that India’s energy security should not depend on approval from the US, taking a swipe with a controversial reference to the “gangs of Epstein.”

"India – a sovereign nation – has been reduced to a client state, with its energy security contingent on the approval of Donald Trump. Our glorious nation of 1.4 billion people left at the mercy of a group of paedophiles and rapists in Washington. What a disgrace," he added

The “gangs of Epstein” remark was a reference to the name of US President Donald Trump appearing in documents related to the investigation into late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

INDIA GETS 30-DAY WAIVER

The US waiver for India applies to Russian oil shipments that were already loaded onto tankers before the latest American restrictions came into force but were left without buyers after sanctions tightened.

Officials said the move allows these cargoes to be sold to India within a limited period, helping prevent further disruption to global energy supplies.

India has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude since Western sanctions were imposed on Russia after the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, making Moscow one of New Delhi’s largest oil suppliers.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said India remains an “essential partner” for the United States and described the move as a temporary step to ease pressure caused by what he called Iran’s attempt to “hold global energy hostage.” He added that Washington expects New Delhi to increase its purchases of US oil going forward.

“To keep oil flowing into the global market, the US is issuing a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” Bessent said, clarifying that the measure applies only to cargoes already at sea and is unlikely to significantly benefit Moscow financially.

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