India Defies U.S. Pressure on Russian Oil Imports Amid Tariff Threats

President Donald TRUMP has escalated trade tensions by threatening to impose tariffs as high as 25% on Indian exports, citing New Delhi's continued oil trade with Russia. India, however, remains resolute, arguing that the criticism is hypocritical given ongoing U.S. and EU transactions with Moscow.

The shift to Russian oil was a strategic necessity for India after the Ukraine war disrupted global supply chains. With European nations diverting demand to Middle Eastern suppliers, Russia offered India discounted crude—a deal that now accounts for 39% of the country's oil imports, up from just 2.5% pre-war. This pivot ensures energy security and shields India's booming economy from inflationary shocks.

Washington's stance appears inconsistent. Former U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti previously endorsed purchases of Russian oil, stating "we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil." The abrupt policy reversal under Trump underscores the geopolitical complexities of energy economics.