Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has criticised US President Donald Trump over Washington’s decision to grant India a temporary waiver related to purchases of Russian oil, asserting that India is a sovereign nation that does not take instructions from foreign governments.
In an open letter shared on the social media platform X, the founder of the Makkal Needhi Maiam urged the US President to respect India’s independence in shaping its foreign and economic policies.
His remarks followed the United States’ announcement of a 30-day “temporary” waiver allowing Indian refineries to continue importing Russian energy supplies amid volatility in global oil markets caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Kamal Haasan’s Open Letter
Addressing the US President directly, Haasan issued a strongly worded statement emphasising India’s sovereignty in matters of foreign policy.
“We, the people of India, belong to a free and sovereign nation. We no longer take orders from distant foreign shores. Please mind your own business to the best of your abilities,” he wrote.
US Announces Temporary Waiver
Explaining the decision, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was granted as global energy markets remain volatile.
In a post on X, Bessent stated: “Our allies in India have been good actors and have previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil. As we work to ease the temporary gap in oil supply around the world, we have temporarily permitted them to accept Russian oil that is already on the water.”
The waiver comes amid concerns that global energy prices could rise sharply due to escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted supply routes and heightened uncertainty in oil markets.
India Says Energy Supply Secure
The Indian government, however, maintained that the country’s energy supply remains stable and secure. In a statement posted on X, the Press Information Bureau said India has significantly diversified its crude oil sourcing.
“India’s energy supply remains secure and stable. Crude oil sources have expanded from 27 to 40 countries, ensuring multiple alternative supply routes,” the statement said.
The government also reiterated that oil procurement decisions are guided strictly by national interest.
“In the national interest, India purchases oil from wherever the most competitive and affordable prices are available,” it added.
Rising Tensions in Global Energy Markets
Global energy markets have become increasingly tense following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 that reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The incident has since triggered wider regional tensions.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks have forced several oil and gas facilities in the Gulf region to shut down temporarily. The crisis has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic waterway through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes—raising fears of further supply disruptions and price spikes in the global energy market.
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