US President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next 10 days on sanctions provisions that could affect countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy forum, the US Envoy said, “He has to decide in the next, I believe, 10 or so days,” Gor said, noting that the President had not imposed sanctions on any country under the law so far and was required to decide within 30 days of its passage.
Gor added that the legislation passed by the US Congress gives the President authority to impose sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil and gas or help evade sanctions, but stressed that the measures are not directed at any particular country.
“The goal is not to punish anyone. The goal is to try to bring an end to this war,” Gor said, adding that Trump was expected to decide over the next few days.
Gor noted that the legislation had received overwhelming bipartisan support in the US Senate, securing 86 votes out of 100.
“I do think the President will decide on that over the next few days,” he said. Gor added that the administration understood that countries could not immediately stop their energy supplies, but wanted to work with partners to gradually reduce funds flowing towards the war.
Asked whether India could receive sanctions relief or exemptions, Gor said the decision rested with the President.
The Ambassador also expressed confidence that India and the US would conclude a trade deal, saying the two sides had made substantial progress despite the complexity of the negotiations.
Gor said India was well positioned to emerge as a major hub for artificial intelligence (AI) development, with partnerships between Indian firms and leading US technology companies offering benefits to both countries.
“India would be an incredible fit for AI, for tech development right here on their own soil, but partnering with some of our best companies is a win-win situation,” he said. - ANI
