US senator criticizes India for Iran oil imports
September 12, 2013 2:32PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican senator has strongly criticized India for continuing to buy oil from sanctions-hit Iran, saying it should quit imports entirely to support the U.S. effort to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program.
Sen. Jim Risch said Thursday he was deeply disappointed that the Obama administration in June extended a sanctions waiver to India — in recognition of its efforts in significantly reducing those oil imports.
Risch said there was no reason why India should not purchase oil from elsewhere if it wants to support the U.S. “as a friend and a partner.”
He spoke at a confirmation hearing for Nisha Desai Biswal, nominated as top U.S. diplomat for South Asia.
Biswal defended the waiver decision, saying Iran used to be India’s second-largest supplier, but is now fifth or sixth.
