Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has criticised the central government for accepting a 30-day US oil waiver and staying silent on the IRIS Dena naval tragedy. He warned that India’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy are at risk.
File Photo: IANS
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has openly criticised the central government over two major international issues: the United States granting India a 30-day waiver to buy Russian oil and the sinking of the unarmed Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which killed nearly 87 sailors. Stalin accused the Narendra Modi-led government of appearing “totally compromised” on India’s strategic autonomy and independent foreign policy.
Posting on X, Stalin questioned, “When the United States decides to allow India to purchase Russian oil for just 30 days, it raises a fundamental question. Why should India need another country’s approval to secure its own energy needs?”
Advertisement
When the United States decides to allow India to purchase Russian oil for just 30 days, it raises a fundamental question. Why should India need another country’s approval to secure its own energy needs?
Advertisement
Equally troubling is the sinking of the unarmed Iranian warship IRIS Dena by…
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) March 6, 2026
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the IRIS Dena tragedy. The Iranian warship had visited Visakhapatnam to take part in the International Fleet Review 2026, a multinational naval exercise hosted by India. Soon after, the unarmed vessel sank in what Stalin described as a troubling event, implying the US’ involvement.
MK Stalin emphasised that India “cannot appear silent or passive” when a ship participating in exercises in Indian waters meets such a fate. He added, “India’s dignity in the international arena needs to be protected, and the nation’s sovereignty and interests need to be defended.”
The 30-day waiver was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday, aimed at allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil while also managing global oil flows amid the West Asia conflict. Bessent framed the short-term measure as a way to counter Iran’s influence, especially after tensions in the Gulf region disrupted crude oil supplies.
India imports almost 40% of its oil from the Middle East, much of it passing through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Experts and politicians have flagged the waiver as a worrying sign of India’s dependency on foreign approval for energy security.
Stalin’s criticism has been echoed by several leaders from the Congress party.
Manish Tewari, Congress MP, condemned the US’ “neo-imperial arrogance” in a post on X, questioning whether India has become a “banana republic” that needs permission from another country for its energy security. He added, “The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?”
Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader, described the US move as “American blackmail” and urged the Indian government to defend national interests.
Randeep Singh Surjewala accused the BJP-led central government of compromising India’s sovereignty.
Advertisement
