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India’s oil trade with Russia strains ties with the US
India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil has been described as a “point of irritation” by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who highlighted its impact on the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington. Speaking in an interview with Fox Radio, Rubio acknowledged India’s energy demands but expressed concern over its choice to continue sourcing oil from Russia despite the availability of alternate suppliers.
Rubio explained that Russia’s discounted oil, driven by sanctions, has helped sustain Moscow’s war effort, further complicating relations. “India has huge energy needs, but unfortunately, their reliance on Russian oil is aiding the war in Ukraine,” he remarked. While emphasizing India’s status as an ally, he noted that this issue, among others, remains a challenge in bilateral ties.
Tariffs and sanctions heighten tensions
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports along with additional penalties targeting New Delhi’s economic and defense ties with Moscow. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized India’s economic policies and relationship with Russia, stating, “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. Their tariffs are among the highest in the world.”
Further complicating matters, the US Department of State imposed sanctions on eight Indian companies and five individuals for trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products in violation of Executive Order 13846. These sanctions have drawn sharp criticism from the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, which labeled them as discriminatory and a breach of international law.
India’s response remains measured
Despite mounting pressure, New Delhi has refrained from issuing an official response to either the tariffs or the sanctions. India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, has consistently defended its energy procurement decisions as vital to its economic growth and energy security. However, the escalating trade and diplomatic friction with the US poses new challenges to the partnership between the two nations.