NDTV ONLINE

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said that India’s purchase of oil from Russia is “most certainly a point of irritation” in New Delhi’s relationship with Washington.

Speaking to Fox Radio a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on India and an additional penalty for buying Russian military equipment and energy, Rubio said that India’s purchases of Russian oil are helping to sustain Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

“Look, global trade - India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align 100 percent of the time on everything,” Rubio said when asked if Trump is “upset” with India getting a “great portion” of the discounted oil from Russia.