New Delhi, March 6 -- International leaders and diplomats at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 have underscored the growing strategic importance of India's energy autonomy and its evolving role in global geopolitics, following the US Treasury Department's decision to issue a temporary waiver for Russian oil imports.

The comments from global experts come as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil already stranded at sea, aimed at alleviating pressure caused by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent described India as an "essential partner" and noted the measure was a stop-gap to ensure global energy flow while countering attempts to take "global energy hostage."

Reacting...