Chennai: Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has written a strongly worded open letter to Donald Trump, emphasising India’s sovereignty and urging Washington not to interfere in the country’s decisions regarding energy purchases.
The message, shared on X, stated that India is a free nation capable of making its own policy choices without external pressure.
In the letter, Haasan wrote that Indians belong to a sovereign country that does not take directions from foreign powers. He also called for mutual respect between nations, saying that such respect is essential for maintaining global peace and cooperation.
Signing the message as a proud Indian citizen and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, he concluded by wishing the United States and its people peace and prosperity.
The remarks came after the US government granted a temporary waiver allowing Indian refineries to continue purchasing Russian energy supplies. The exemption, issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, is valid from March 5 to April 4.
According to officials, the move was intended to help Indian refiners secure crude oil amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. However, Haasan criticised the arrangement, arguing that India’s energy and economic decisions should remain independent of outside influence.
The development has triggered political debate in the country. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party described the waiver as a diplomatic achievement that safeguards energy security during a global crisis, while the Indian National Congress maintained that India should not require approval from another nation to determine its energy imports.