After Trump’s 25% Tariff and Russian Oil Rebuke, India Prioritizes Energy Needs Over Political Pressure
India’s Firm Yet Measured Response to US Sanctions
India has issued a composed response after former US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and criticized the country’s continued oil and defense purchases from Russia.
“In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the market and the prevailing global circumstance,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Foreign Ministry.
Background: US Pressure Mounts Over Russian Oil
The United States has intensified diplomatic pressure on India, claiming that continued energy trade with Russia is “funding the war in Ukraine.”
Key Points:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India’s Russian oil purchases a “point of irritation”.
- Trump alleged that 35% of India’s oil imports in the first half of 2025 came from Russia.
- A penalty (unspecified in detail) was also announced, targeting India’s purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.
India’s Perspective: Energy Security Comes First
Despite external criticism, Indian officials reiterated that national interest will always come first, especially concerning energy imports.
Highlights:
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously said India will buy from whoever offers the best price.
- India, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is expected to need over 6.6 million barrels/day by 2030.
- Russia offers deep discounts due to Western sanctions, making it an attractive energy partner.
“There is no political strategy to buy oil. There is a market strategy,” Jaishankar emphasized in 2024.
India’s Russian Oil Imports Surge Post-Ukraine War
Before 2022, India rarely purchased Russian crude due to high shipping costs. However, sanctions on Russia shifted the global oil landscape.
Current Stats:
- In 2023, India imported 1.66 million barrels/day from Russia (up from 700,000 in 2022).
- India is now the largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude.
India–US Trade Dynamics: Room for Balance
India has expressed a willingness to expand its imports from the US, especially after PM Modi’s February 2025 visit to Washington.
Trade Targets and Constraints:
- Commitment made to increase US oil & gas imports.
- The goal: $500 billion in bilateral trade within 5 years.
- However, India’s primary suppliers remain Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Russia—owing to volume and pricing.
Geopolitics in Play: US-Pakistan Oil Deal a Strategic Move
In a surprising twist, Trump announced a new US oil deal with Pakistan, aiming to develop the country’s vast reserves.
Analysts view this as a strategic signal to pressure India—encouraging a shift away from Russian energy dependence toward US-supplied oil.
Conclusion: India Holds Its Ground Amid Global Pressure
While the US continues to push India to reduce ties with Russia, New Delhi remains focused on its strategic autonomy and economic pragmatism.
India has made it clear: it won’t be bullied, and its foreign and economic policies will continue to be guided by national interest and market realities.
Also Read : Trump Revises Tariffs Ahead of Trade Deadline: India Stays at 25%, Pakistan Gets a Rate Cut
