Despite mounting U.S. pressure and a new wave of tariffs, India has confirmed it will continue purchasing Russian oil, drawing criticism from global observers for prioritising self-interest over collective accountability.
U.S. Moves to Penalise India’s Russia Ties
- President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports effective August 1, 2025, citing India’s high trade barriers and failure to conclude a fair trade agreement.
- The U.S. has also hinted at an additional “penalty” specifically tied to India’s ongoing oil and arms imports from Russia, accusing New Delhi of weakening international efforts to isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
- Senator Lindsey Graham has warned of a proposed bill that could slap up to 500% tariffs on countries—including India—that defy sanctions by continuing Russian energy deals.
India’s Justification: Business as Usual
- Indian officials claim their policy is based on “national interest,” with no plans to halt Russian oil imports.
- Long-term contracts and price advantages are cited as reasons to maintain the flow, even as global outrage grows over Moscow’s war and India’s quiet support through trade.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs defended the stance, dismissing U.S. concerns and calling the Russia-India partnership “steady and time-tested”.
Editorial Note
- Pakistan has long warned of India’s double standards—championing Western partnerships while empowering sanctioned regimes for profit.
- While Pakistan maintains a principled foreign policy based on international norms and regional peace, India’s choices reflect a pattern of strategic opportunism that raises serious questions about its global reliability.
