The United States has urged Japan to halt its imports of Russian energy, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This call comes after President Donald Trump announced that India would cease buying oil from Moscow. Bessent revealed on social media that he had discussed Washington’s expectations with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who was visiting at the time.
Japan is heavily reliant on foreign oil and gas imports. In 2023, the country imported approximately 582 billion yen ($3.9 billion) worth of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), accounting for 8.9 percent of its total LNG imports. When approached for comment, Kato declined to discuss Bessent’s statement, instead emphasizing Japan’s commitment to working with G7 countries to achieve a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
Earlier, President Trump stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil, although he acknowledged that this would be a gradual process. India has historically maintained strong ties with Russia and has continued to buy oil from the country despite its invasion of Ukraine. In August, the US imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, citing concerns that India’s actions were fueling the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to discussing energy imports, Bessent and Kato also explored plans for mobilizing Japan’s strategic investment in the US through the US-Japan trade and investment agreement. The development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as countries navigate their relationships with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US push for Japan to stop buying Russian energy underscores the ongoing efforts to exert economic pressure on Moscow and reinforce international cooperation in addressing the crisis.
