When Russian oil stops being Russian

The US is like that friend who always has an excuse for everything. It gets busy meddling in some foreign country's affairs telling itself, 'We must save democracy.' But when it's chilling, you can bet there's some other sneaky plan brewing with a bizarre reasoning to back it up. Earlier this week, Anna Morris, acting assistant secretary for terrorist financing, found herself in a pickle when asked about India's continued infatuation with Russian oil amid all the Ukrainian drama. Why would the US turn a blind eye to this oily love affair? There could be many reasons: maybe it's because the US and India are like two peas in a pod, sharing friendship bracelets and secret handshakes. Or, perhaps, it's a strategic game of geopolitical chess, and India's move to cosy up with Moscow is another pawn sacrifice. Or, maybe, Uncle Sam is too preoccupied with his own dramas to gaze at other navels.

But hold your ghee-laden puris. The real gem of wisdom dropped by Morris was, well, a wisegem. According to her, once Russian oil gets refined, it magically sheds its Russian identity faster than a spy changing disguises. So, next time you're indulging in a deep-fried delicacy, don't sweat the greasy details. By Morris logic, once that puri hits your plate fresh off the kadhai, it's a health food exorcised of all oiliness.