Bangladesh, Aug. 2 -- Tensions between Washington and New Delhi have resurfaced following sharp criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Indias continued purchase of Russian crude oil, and a fresh wave of economic penalties imposed by the United States. At the heart of the controversy is Indias refusal to bow to Western pressure to reduce energy ties with Russia-a decision driven by economic necessity but increasingly viewed in Washington as undermining its strategic alignment with the West.

In an interview with Fox Radio on July 31, Rubio acknowledged India as a strategic partner but described its ongoing oil trade with Russia as a “point of irritation.” “India has huge energy needs and it buys [oil] from ...