US lawmakers ask Rubio to press India on protest crackdown as Trump lifts oil sanctions

Progressive US lawmakers have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to confront India over its handling of Citizen Rights Protection (CJP) protests during his upcoming multi‑city visit. The letter asks Rubio to raise the issue in meetings with senior Indian officials as his tour focuses on energy, trade and strategic ties. The same week, President Donald Trump waived sanctions under a Russia law that allowed up to 100% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, a move tied to a deal with President Vladimir Putin that sees Moscow supplying diesel to calm global energy markets. In New Delhi, veteran BJP leader LK Advani was admitted to Apollo Hospital after reporting a chest infection; doctors say he is under observation and his condition is stable. Delhi Police released All India Students' Association activist Neha Bora from preventive detention following anti‑CEC demonstrations, while CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke remains in custody and is set to appear before an executive magistrate today. Former Bank of England governor and Canadian political figure Mark Carney told reporters he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirming that Modi will visit Canada on Dec 11‑12 to strengthen trade and strategic cooperation. US investigators examining a foiled mass shooting at a Hindu temple uncovered the suspect’s text messages and diary notes that explicitly ordered attacks on worshippers; the shooter was arrested after his rifle jammed on site.

Context

These developments show how domestic unrest in India is intersecting with broader US‑India diplomatic engagements, while parallel moves on sanctions and international visits signal shifting economic and security ties across continents.