India has given assurances regarding its purchases of Russian crude, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. He said Washington and New Delhi have reached an understanding on Russian oil as the two sides move toward formalising an interim trade agreement.
“There is an agreement…We have seen India diversify on their oil. There is a commitment. This is not about India. The United States does not want anyone buying Russian oil,” Gor said.
Indian officials have not publicly confirmed any political pledge. The government’s position has consistently been that crude procurement is driven by price, availability and national energy security considerations.
Gor indicated that the interim trade pact is nearing signature, describing only minor technical adjustments as pending. Teams from both sides have been in discussions and the agreement could be concluded “sooner than later.”
The two governments have negotiated the framework for an interim deal where the US will bring down from 50% to 18%, the average tariff on imports from India. In return, New Delhi has given a commitment to lowering duties across a range of American goods.
Washington has already removed a 25% punitive tariff linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. And in the coming days, the balance reciprocal levy is likely to be brought down to 18%. The US envoy described the arrangement as more than a tariff adjustment.
Pax Silica
The comments came alongside India’s formal association with Pax Silica, a US-led coalition focused on artificial intelligence capabilities and secure supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors.
Gor characterised India’s participation as central to the initiative’s success. “India’s entry into Pax Silica isn’t just symbolic, it’s strategic. It’s essential,” he said at the signing ceremony.
India received its invitation in January, shortly before Gor presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu.
AI Sovereignty and Export Push
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the US officials outlined a broader effort to expand adoption of American AI systems among partner nations. Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the US President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, argued that countries should focus on “real AI sovereignty” by adopting high-quality technologies while retaining control over sensitive data.
Kratsios cautioned against centralised global governance models for artificial intelligence and promoted an American AI Exports Program designed to support partner countries through financing, standards development and technical cooperation.
The US envoy reinforced that message, saying the US intends to work directly with Indian companies. “Our stacks, our abilities, our AI technology is something that we want to work with Indian companies with. We are not offering that to everyone around the world,” he said.
Venezuela Option Raised
Beyond Russia, Washington is also encouraging India to consider energy engagement with Venezuela as global supply chains adjust. Gor confirmed discussions were ongoing between energy officials from both countries.
The US has been advocating diversification away from Russian crude as part of its broader sanctions’ strategy, while signaling openness to facilitating alternative supply arrangements.
Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google, said the US–India partnership would be central to shaping the next phase of AI development. He highlighted investments in infrastructure, developer skilling and subsea connectivity linking the two economies, while stressing the importance of trusted supply chains for emerging technologies.
