The much-discussed India-US Trade Deal has reached a new phase with the framework outlining imports, including oil from the US. This development has led to questioning whether the trade agreement imposes an obligation on India to purchase US crude oil. In light of these concerns, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the situation, outright rejecting any notion that the procurement of American oil is mandated by the trade deal.

Goyal emphasized that importing energy from the US will help reduce India’s dependence on a limited number of suppliers, framing the purchase as a strategic and commercial decision rather than a compulsory action dictated by the trade negotiations. He asserted that actual transactions will be carried out independently by buyers and suppliers, highlighting that such decisions are influenced by market dynamics rather than political agreements.

The clarification from Goyal aims to alleviate fears that India's oil imports are being driven by external pressures associated with ongoing trade discussions. By positioning the purchase as a strategic choice to enhance energy security, India appears to be seeking to balance international relationships while addressing domestic energy demands.