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Encouraged by stories hinting at India's potential cessation of oil imports from Russia, former president Trump Trump has welcomed the news, calling it a good step. While tension between the two nations persists, the United States recently imposed a 25% import tax on Indian goods. During a recent conference, Trump said, "I heard they are not going to be buying oil from Russia anymore," before offering, "That is a good step.” He then said, "But, I don't know how true that is."
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs added that the procurement strategy is based on considering market forces along with national priorities. They claimed that they did not have particular details regarding the cessation of Russian oil imports by Indian oil companies. They added that India's partnerships, including the "steady and time-tested" relations with Russia, are made independently without the considerations of third countries.
The reasoning behind Trump's stance seems to be aimed at pushing countries that continue to have an economic relationship with Russia, particularly with Russia's war on Ukraine being in full swing. The recent tariffs of the US on Indian goods were to some extent associated with India’s continuing trade with Russia for both energy and arms. He also commented on Pakistan’s potential of selling oil to India. While Trump seems to be open to engage if the shift is confirmed, the US tariffs and “penalty” measures on trade with India owing to its relation with Russia showcases the relationship between economic and politically driven policy in foreign affairs. As for India, their stance is that energy sourcing is governed by market conditions and the geopolitical environment, highlighting the pursuit of self-serving policies.
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