Rubio called India an "ally" but noted that Delhi's Russian oil imports were hampering its relationship with Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump's demand on India to halt Russian oil imports could threaten billions in Russian revenues, prompt Moscow to retaliate by stopping a major U.S.-led oil pipeline and potentially lead to a new global supply crisis.

India has responded calmly after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and criticized its continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. New Delhi defended its energy strategy,