Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has strongly criticised remarks from the United States suggesting that India had been given “permission” to buy Russian oil.
Responding to the controversy, the Rajya Sabha MP and leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam said India is a sovereign nation and does not take orders from any foreign country.
In a post on X addressing Donald Trump, Haasan wrote: “Dear Mr President, 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 added that mutual respect between sovereign nations is the only basis for lasting global peace and wished the US and its people peace and prosperity.
The controversy began after Scott Bessent said Washington had allowed India to purchase Russian oil temporarily after the Middle East conflict disrupted global supply chains.
In an interview with Fox Business, Bessent said India had earlier been asked to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil and had complied. He claimed the US later permitted India to resume purchases temporarily to ease pressure on global oil supplies.
When asked about the remarks, Trump suggested that easing restrictions could help reduce global oil pressure and stabilise supply.
Meanwhile, the Indian government said the country’s energy supplies remain secure despite tensions in the Middle East. Officials emphasised that India has diversified its crude oil imports from 27 to 40 countries and buys oil based on competitive prices in the national interest.
They also made it clear that India has never required permission from any country to purchase Russian oil.
The issue has also triggered political reactions within India. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha from the Indian National Congress, criticised the government over the remarks, saying India’s foreign policy should reflect the collective will of its people and be rooted in the country’s history and values.