Public sentiment showcases strong skepticism towards U.S. pressure regarding India's oil imports from Russia, predominantly criticizing the hypocrisy of the U.S. while defending India's sovereignty and economic choices. Comments reflect a perceived double standard in U.S. foreign policy, leading to a consensus that India should not compromise its national interests for external pressures. Many commenters express backlash against Trump's rhetoric, viewing it as manipulative and counterproductive to fostering genuine diplomatic relations.

United States

India

Russia

There are two things going on here at the same time: 

**1).)** U.S. is looking for an excuse to renegotiate trade with India. Both sides have been trying to negotiate a trade deal for quite some time, but there are huge issues: India will not sell out its agricultural base and the U.S. can’t really put tariffs on digital services from India the way it can physical imports from other nations. This makes India extremely difficult to negotiate with but at the same time, extremely important for America to strike a deal with before India erodes America’s white collar base without giving reciprocal access to its consumer market. You simply can’t put tariffs on your IT guy in Bangalore the way you can car parts from Germany because no physical good is crossing a physical border.

What’s happening now is that the gloves are coming off: America is trying to play hardball and express displeasure with India. The problem is that India is just in the flat out superior negotiating position. America may have a technology edge but this is being eroded and India is trending towards further expansion economically and in terms of human capital. Withholding technological transfer to India will not work, because the technological gatekeeping the U.S. used in the past is already being eroded by China. If the U.S. continues then it opens up the U.S. to IP/technological theft not just from China but India as well, which will be fatal to U.S. domestic industry. 

The U.S. should have renegotiated trade deals with China and India after the 2008 financial crisis but both the Chinese and the Indians were too effective at stalling the negotiations to the point that now they have the upper hand. Now they are trying to make up for lost time and doing too much from too weak of a bargaining position. 

**2.)** The bigger issue is that the recent India - Pakistan conflict exposed America’s position. During the conflict Pakistan could reliably count on diplomatic support from Turkey, China, **and America**. India received no support at all from the Quad during this conflict. The IMF even financially bailed Pakistan out during the conflict and Trump/Vance attempted to mediate on behalf of Pakistan while equivocating the two sides internationally. For India, this was a massive red line. 

Subsequently, Trump invited General Asif Munir (ie not Pakistan’s PM) to the White House to negotiate using Pakistani airspace to bomb Iran. This demonstrated to India that the U.S. simply will never give up Pakistan. 

So now India in a position where it sees that the U.S. is not only unreliable diplomatically but that it will always prioritize relations with its mortal enemy *and* that will try to impede India’s technological development further. 

I’d argue that all of this was very predictable.

CoachKoranGodwin

He already tanked the relation with India. 
Even if he backtracks tomorrow, which we all doubt, there is no guarantee that he wouldn’t change his mood again the day after. 
And even if he is out of office we now all have seen, that Americans could vote another lunatic into office anytime. 
Trump is the beginning of the end of US dominance. We, the world, should thank him for this.

mastermindman99

An entire new generation of Indians, born from the late 90s to 2000s will now learn &amp; internalize why their previous generations took a cautious distrustful approach with the US. Sigh. This is penny wise pound foolish move by Trump.

PersonNPlusOne

Thing is, India never relied on US. So title is kinda...you know..

JustGulabjamun

I’ll agree about the bizzare nice treatment of Pakistan and China  but the stuff about secondary sanctions over Russian oil is pretty classic American stuff and viewed from a Rus/Ukr view instead of a south Asian foreign policy one makes a lot of sense.

spinosaurs70

What I don’t quite understand is why the U.S. deep state appears to be giving Trump so much leeway.

The strategic direction of a nation is shaped over years—often decades—not in reaction to short-term political shifts.

Trump now seems singularly focused on forcing Russia to end the war. But even if that happens in the next couple of months, the underlying damage to U.S. alliances and trust is already done. The relationship with key partners is strained, perhaps irreparably.

So what exactly is the endgame here?

curiousstrider

Henry Kissinger said \`It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend, is fatal. To understand what being America's friend meant to Afghans, an Afghan army officer shared his personal story for my blog. A story on fighting the Taliban, to the heart wrenching time he was abandoned, as Kabul fell. My article also features a first person account from a student in Kabul, on life under the old US ally, the Taliban.  
  
[https://rpdeans.blogspot.com/2025/07/fighting-taliban-and-betrayal-afghan.html](https://rpdeans.blogspot.com/2025/07/fighting-taliban-and-betrayal-afghan.html)

Dean_46

I’m not sure there’s much I can add here that hasn’t been said already. It’s a huge mistake for the US to antagonise both India and Brazil at the same time, especially since it’s for idiotic reasons in the first place. 

The best way to get both nations to limit their trade with Russia is to offer them long term stable commitments that help improve them. India has a population of well over 1.4 billion and one that is still growing. 

The other way to get those countries to limit their trade with Russia is to let them see that Russia is an unreliable partner and one that isn’t capable of offering much. That’s something they need to experience on their own terms and not be subject to threats of sanctions or tariffs. 

Biden had a much better grasp of geopolitics.

Ethereal-Zenith

If India genuinely does employ a pragmatic and transactional approach to relations with major powers beyond its region then surely a few ripples in US bilateral affairs can be managed easily 

The Indian logic of buying Russian oil is it is simply pursuing its interests. ‘We do balancing, it’s the cheapest option and our economy takes precedence, Ukraine is not our fight’. Fair enough.

The US logic is it is simply pursuing its own interests. ‘We have an opportunity to humble Russia and protect Ukraine, India’s support of Russia enables them and imposes costs on the US in terms of military aid and posture’. Fair enough. If Russia can be stopped the US can get troops out of Europe quicker.

Strong_Remove_2976

Why did you reelect Trump, my American friends? But on a more serious note I think that indian people and the American people are very much aligned - far more stable than earlier. I don't think that the president can spoil this much.

houstonrice

Just 25? Go to the back of queue. They ripped 80+ years of relationship with us.

Jazzlike_770

That's someone's plan, no doubt. Or the plan of a number of state actors. Or both, either way.

DanoPinyon

trump is risks thanking every countries relation

Legitimate-Proof5152

Consider it tanked. 

The Indian-US rapprochement of the last few years bucked a decades long trend of misalignment and disconnect. Trump’s erratic behavior now basically confirms some of the long held fears and prejudices in India regarding Western interests and influence.

Trump really is a bull in a China Shop

Open_Management7430

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Modi and India Not Giving Trump Attention is making trump impatient.He wants a headline saying india has stopped buying russian oil and India has opened its market to usa.But reality is india usa trade is not big enough.

Daredevil_M

1. Total UK exports to Russia amounted to £1.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025, Turkey (56 billion dollar - yes the other NATO country, and netherlands, germany and south korea have done their fare share)
2. US still gets the uranium (exempted till 2028), also only country that is allowed to buy oil from Venezuela
3. Ireland trade with Russia climbed 50% (currently 750 million euro), croatia trade with russia increased by 31%, france by 10%

The biggest group i.e Right Wing + Left Wing + Minority Extreme Left, all 3 groups' followers are pro-Russia in India. India will not stop dealing with Russia.

InterestingFormal623

In May 2024, USA ambassador to India Eric Garcetti claimed that Indian purchase of oil was allowed by USA to control the prices. Now somehow it is violation of USA regulations. Creating rules to justify own trade with Russia and trying to force others to stop trading is hypocrisy of the Western world

  
[https://www.statecraft.co.in/article/not-just-us-whole-world-wanted-countries-to-buy-russian-oil-ambassador-garcetti-on-india-s-imports](https://www.statecraft.co.in/article/not-just-us-whole-world-wanted-countries-to-buy-russian-oil-ambassador-garcetti-on-india-s-imports)

hsting61292

Dude just shat on the most pro-US indian government to date. Anyone else comes to power, they will have an even more extreme stance towards the Americans

Dhadiya_Boss

1. India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.

2. India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.

3. The European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5mn tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022.

4. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment.

5. Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals.

6. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.


-New Delhi

August 4, 2025

Jeevesh_Sharma

Justcoffeeforme

India buying Russian oil lowers the worldwide price of crude. It actually helps the world economy. Trump is just playing the bully.

Designer_Buy_1650

Thank you Mr. Trump for this. A portion of the younger generation was actually starting to think of the US favorably, keen for India to slowly move away from Russia. With the rhetoric spewed in past couple of days, you have made sure the new generation will not trust US to be on our side. Way to throw away the goodwill earned in last couple of decades, proving once again US can't be trusted. Thankfully we are not dependent on the US for our defense supplies or food.  We will surely manage. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

mightyn0mad

Lmao.. Trump must be spiralling in his head. 

Mr pedophile thought like the rest of countries and eu, India will fold down to his threats. Not expecting that India knows too how economy and world Trade works.

Griffindor-69

India has been sanctioned to oblivion in past for Nuclear tests. We didnt care then, neither are we going to care now

no1bullshitguy

Imagine if India and China put aside their distrust and join hands to form a huge block of free trade with 3 billion people between the two countries. The SEA and South Asian countries will follow and join hands. That would instantly trounce EU and US economies. 

Who am I kidding. 😂

ThatsAllFolksAgain

We told trump to fuck off on his face while uk, eu and others have bent the knee. His ego can't take the hit.

Ashamed-One-Not

Such a sorry state of west that a country has to come out and state the blunt truth like this. Good job you orange bastard

uneducatedDumbRacoon

brager1990

India has once again assumed a categorical position by doubling down on its sovereign, economically driven choice to source Russian oil. Where are we headed moving forward?



I’m not an expert on trade or economics, but from what I understand, this could very well be a negotiation tactic. Trump’s approach clearly breaks with the Biden administration’s quiet accommodation of India’s energy pragmatism.



India doesn’t seem to be backing down. There’s no policy reversal, nor is there any indication that India will halt oil imports under external pressure. However, India is actively working on its energy security by enhancing resilience and reducing overdependence on Russia through the strategic diversification of crude sources. This includes a rise in imports from the U.S. and Brazil, alongside other imperative measures.



Shouldn't this reassure Washington that India is acting not as a rogue actor, but as a pragmatic and responsible energy consumer operating within the constraints of its domestic imperatives and global partnerships?



I hope all the trade and energy rhetoric remains in a diplomatic sandbox and doesn’t spill over into the broader strategic relationship between India and the U.S. The next decade is critical for India as it aims to realize its military modernization goals, many of which hinge on support from the U.S. I sincerely hope the current turbulence doesn’t derail India’s progress in narrowing the military and strategic gap with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The-Aetheric-Leaf

Conservatism and double standards? Say it isn't so. Rules for thee but not for me!

ryudo6850



The classic moral lecturing from the West, a bunch of hypocrites

Present-Anteater6848

I support the stance India is taking....India is already suffering from inflation...adding extra fuel prices if imported from ME would be a very big burden for the India's working class. India needs to take care of its own.
India has been sending medical supplies as well continuosly to the Ukrainians. The hypocrisy needs to stop

ex_king_of_ayodhya

Honestly, India has a point here. The US and EU talk about isolating Russia, but they’ve still been buying Russian energy and critical resources when it suits their interests. Meanwhile, they expect countries like India to completely cut ties, even if it hurts their own economy.

It’s kind of the classic double standard in geopolitics—“do as I say, not as I do.” Every country is going to prioritize its own energy security first, and India is just being upfront about it. If the West really wants a global embargo, it needs to hold itself to the same rules it expects everyone else to follow.

Whereas_Numerous

The truth many Americans refuse to accept

dpk1357

Icy_Walrus_5035

You don’t lose the respect of people who actually wish to have fantastic relations with you. Hypocrisy thy name is the west.

theindianheat

Double standard? By Trump? 
Entire world is like: first time?

Feuertotem

I think it's clear that not only the govt, but most Indian people believe that not only shouldn't we listen to childish tantrums and endure bullying by Mr. Trump. But also point out the hypocrisy that is fueling this narrative. 

I don't know if India and China should band together but they should definitely show the Western powers their place, given 30% of the world population lives in just these two countries. Probably it's time to even bury some of the differences. 

Ukraine this. Ukraine that. Spare us. We don't care about your wars. You have never cared about ours. Please find a seat.

Future_Definition_55

Definitely a double standard scenario here. Glad they are calling the US gov't out on it  i do encourage them to reduce trade with Russia tho. Putin and his oligarchs are evil human scum.

wh0_RU

seaweedizcool

🇮🇳 India's Response – Point by Point


1. India started importing Russian oil only after traditional suppliers diverted their oil to Europe following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.




2. The U.S. had encouraged India at that time to buy Russian oil to help stabilize global energy markets.




3. India’s imports are not political, but purely to ensure predictable and affordable energy for Indian consumers.




4. Criticism from the U.S. and EU is hypocritical, as they themselves continue to import goods and materials from Russia.




5. In 2024, the European Union’s trade with Russia included:


€67.5 billion in goods
€17.2 billion in services (2023)
Record 16.5 million tonnes of LNG imported in 2024 (higher than 2022’s 15.21 million tonnes)






6. The EU also imports fertilizers, chemicals, steel, and machinery from Russia—far more than India does.




7. The United States continues to import:
Uranium hexafluoride for nuclear power
Palladium for electric vehicles
Fertilizers and chemicals






8. India called the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable”, stating that its trade with Russia is driven by vital national interest, unlike many Western countries.




9. India will continue to take decisions based on its economic security and national interest, like any other major economy.

koushik_Gain_298

Brics Boys about to put epstein files on the "negociation" table

RegularFox2557

The situation is clear as daylight. The US is trying to bully India and Europe is as usual virtue signalling. They should have been aware that India, historically,  has never responded well to such threats and bullying.

SubstantialAction0

We are selfish. If we see a good deal, we will pick it.


Why? Because so is EU and so is the US. No further elaboration necessary.

CroatianArtist

We all know the arguments, we all know that pedo trump is trying to create distractions to take attention away from his horrible wrongdoings, we all know america is the prime sponsor of terrorism throughout the world and this is just another terrible attempt by them once again even if they end up severing their ties with all their allies. Trump is the worst thing on this planet atm, he is the enemy of peace. A bully will try to bully. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

samratkarwa

The US has imported around $5 billion in fertilizer from Russia since 2022

[https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/imports/russia/fertilizers](https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/imports/russia/fertilizers)

deepbluemeanies

The current government is the only government which at least wanted a good relationship with the US. This pedo fucked that up too. Even the new generation who thought of creating a good relationship with the US and moving away from Russia is now changing their views due to these clowns actions.

milkymist00

Glad that finally there is an official statement to punch Trump in his face. Borderline incestuous pedophiles have no right to run this world as if it was their own house.


But I will forever remain thankful to Donald Trump (despite what I just wrote), for exposing that no matter whether it is BJP or Congress, the US is not a trustworthy ally. Forget ally, the word should be 'partner'. An untrustworthy partner. Import their goods, export ours, but never get blinded by their lies like 'partnership of the century', 'free and open world's blah blah blah.


And maybe, we could now focus more on developing some solid hard power rather than just influence. Let's make the most worthless defence equipment but at least start producing them on a mass scale. Target - export. Then, gradually improve their quality and reliability to wean off our dependency on both US and Russia, because honestly, anything can change in a second. Let's not get sentimental about both the US and Russia because it is an issue of national security.


And of course, fuck Trump.

Right now that's the US in a nutshell, do what I say not what I do.

Bubbaganewsh

Everyone knows that exports from countries like Germany to other countries neighbouring Russia have gone up by 700% since the war started. Sanctions are just a good PR stunt, but no one will sacrifice their economy for Ukraine.

mastablasta1962

&gt;India calls out US, EU over oil trade with Russia; pans double standards. 

The distinction is that India is literally the I in BRICS. From the US perspective, BRICS are the bad guys.

CharlesForbin

xenocideMadridKKR-07

It is a bit different. Modi declared him as friend. I believe the West, as long as we can consider this under this Orange Clown, didn’t do that.

Reginald002

Its the seller and the buyer accusing each other

Calling out the hypocrisy doesn't really work, though, because neither side is actually doing the first step to end that trade. The moment one opens their mouth, the other side's hypocrisy becomes one's own.

ganbaro

Will the thing is whenever US does it: it is right. Everyone knows that fact already. America is right, America does it, don’t disobey America.

MrSquigglyPub3s

Two things can be bad at the same time. Continuing to trade with Russia in view of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is bad regardless of whether it’s India, the US or the EU doing it. All this to say neither of the three doing it is an excuse for the other two to as well.

Haru1st

Imagine telling Trump he is full of it and expecting it to change anything for the better in 2025. If you repeat this two times until Trump gets a picture book from his advisors, he will triple down.

Why would a sovereign nation listen to a Epstein client.

Social_Giant

For this reason I look forward to the rise of the BRICS nations - Not only to be able to call out blatant hypocrisy but for there to be some force behind it

bitchcoin5000

EU trade with Russia is now around 80–85% lower than before the war, showing that the EU has largely done its part. A further drop to 90% is expected soon. Meanwhile, India’s trade with Russia has increased nearly sixfold since the war began.

Dazzling_Star_5118

But wait, only white countries can fight wars, when others fight, it's a circus, according to the west...



India shouldn't be included in a conflict of another third world nation. Ukraine doesn't matter to us. Fight your own wars on your own. If you can't then don't poke Russians. When you don't have guts, don't expect others to save you

I will never support Ukraine because they bought weaponry from pakistan, which actively funds terrorist organisations which will kill me if given opportunity in my own country.

APURVA-DON3

I wonder what part of Russia exports to EU are to pro-russia Hungary and Slovakia. US imports from Russia are worth 3 billion and Indias imports are worth 64 billion so really can't compare those.  They might have  point with EU, but even it has reduced their imports and have have dropped  86 %  since start of the war.

[link](https://sofiaglobe.com/2025/05/21/eurostat-eu-imports-from-russia-dropped-86-between-q1-2022-and-q1-2025/#:~:text=Eurostat:%20EU%20imports%20from%20Russia%20dropped%2086%25,and%20Q1%202025%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Sofia%20Globe)

Antother thing is that extra tariffs are only for importing energy not other harder to replace imports.

jargo3

So trump is bullying india who is weaker than china because china has already shut off their mouth and putin is not answering their call classic they are bullying the weaker country unable to take on the stronger china chinese have really build a great country good for them

Rudra9431


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I thought he was going to end the Russia/Ukraine war before his Inauguration or on Day 1 at the latest. What happened?

borbor8

I suspect most Americans don't care enough about India to really appreciate the significance of these developments, or worse, are hostile towards it for various reasons(immigration, H1Bs, outsourcing, Hindu nationalist government and so on, backed up by underlying racial and cultural prejudices) but Modi just announced his first foreign visit to China in 7 years and sent his NSA to Russia. Donald Trump may just end up turning BRICS from a paper alliance that never really went past empty statements(because of India and China's mutual distrust and India/Brazil's unwillingness to be hostile to the USA) to a real long-term geopolitical problem for the United States; a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Before these announcements, India had actually unilaterally cut Russian crude imports and increased American oil imports, and offered $25 billion in investments for US oil in trade talks. Trump threw all that in their collective faces.

He's also made it politically difficult for pro-US voices in Indian politics, who've had to work hard over the last 20 years to overcome 50 years of accumulated distrust from Indian politicians and society of America that they inherited from the Cold War. This will poison the well for diplomacy with a future Democratic administration.

1-randomonium

invalidpassword

Highly doubt he'll do anything about H1Bs even though that's one area he probably could actually get more people on his side considering the state of the job market.

Yurilla

One of the steps in being in an abusive relationship is isolation from friends. 

Right along with gaslighting, financial manipulation, and refusing to take responsibility.

Sigh.

archblade7777

TheReluctantSojourn

They are now ignoring us and partnering with Russia.

YgramulTheMany

No, India tanked the relations when they backed Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine. Trump is - for once and likely accidentally - doing something useful after having realized that Ukraine won't roll over and die like he had hoped.

potato_in_an_ass

China will be happy. However, India will be very forgiving because they need USA

EmployAltruistic647

CommercialRemote3325

The India-US relationship is officially over, and it will not recover even after the end of Trump's presidency.

ReductionGear

Cashing in something that wasn't his to sell.

DarrenEdwards

Rapidly accelerating a Russia-China-India economic and armament coalition. WWIII here we come.

GreatRent8008

Trump is playing international relations as if the US were a boyfriend that any girl should be privileged to date.

eliota1

Big deal.  He's already tanked the much longer and more important relations with Canada....and for absolutely no good reason.

MJcorrieviewer

I don’t think the USA-India relationship was that strong compared to the Soviet( now Russia) India friendship. America works for its interests so does India.

Dipankar94

If they are helping Russia with the war in Ukraine, then they deserve that their relations ruined because it’s unacceptable.

____dude_

Inda is closer to Russia than America, buy Russian oil, knowingly bought grain from Russia that was stolen from Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, sells computer chips and other parts used in Russian drones and other military equipment. But trump wants US computer chips made in India that’s a national security threat. Trump wants something from India most likely a better deal getting his cell phone being made there. But trump has destroyed hundreds of years of great relationships and respect for America’s closest allies including Canada, UK , Greenland, Mexico and even US territories including Puerto Rico that he didn’t even know was a US territory or an island.

CAM6913

Good on him not a Trump fan at all but i am glad he has done this. You cannot buy Russian oil and pretend to be a decent country.

Conscious_Scheme132

Ukraine can surrender any territory but, any peace deal without any security guarantee is just asking for a 3rd Russian invasion.

FriedRiceistheBest

There has never been much to come out of talking to a terrorist state. Putin could stop invading Ukraine any time he wanted. Spoiler… he doesn’t want to stop. Punishing Putin more is probably the only way to end this.

TyrellCorpWorker

Trump and Putin are set to meet in the coming days to discuss ending the Ukraine war, with the UAE floated as a possible venue. Zelenskyy insists Europe must be included in any talks, warning that Ukraine is an integral part of Europe. Could this be a genuine step toward peace, or just another round of geopolitical maneuvering?

MitKatAdvisory

Yeah, Putin will promise a bunch of things, Trump will waste a month with no signs of progress and then Trump will move back onto something else. 

I honestly think Trumps decision to talk with Kim was a smart one, talking at least once is good. But this is totally pointless.

by all means this is pointless. Ukraine sees it as a national survival matter the fact that it gets included in a NATO-like alliance, which Russia isn't gonna accept.

 And it's not as if the US can influence Ukraine in any way shape or form, given that it cut off most funds and arm exports these months

And it's not even as if the US can' stop letting Europe buy weapons to send off to Ukraine, less they seriously become a pariah state like north korea

so, once again, this is truly useless

edit : and ofc this is not considering the 5% NATO meeting, in which  in the 3,5% of defense spending are included.. military aids to Ukraine. It is frankly nonsensical

gabrielish_matter

This has been happening since the start of the war, why bring it up now ? 

Also this is strangely coincided with recent rosy news about US - Pakistan relationship. Pakistan seems to know how to play between the 2 powers US and China very well. Hell, maybe India should also nominate Trump for Nobel Prize as well.

ImperiumRome

There is no carrot, only threats, based on a flawed understanding of India's position  
\- assuming Trump wants to have an understanding.

India was buying Russian oil not out of support for Russia, but because there was no alternative. India's requirements were met from the Middle East, until Iran was sanctioned by the US (when it was JCPOA compliant), followed by Venezuela. Other OPEC countries did not increase output. A lot of crude oil imported by India is refined and sold to Europe, so that the EU can maintain the facade of its sanctions compliance.  
All that a ban on Russian energy exports will do is make China even more competitive, hurt the world economy and make no difference to Russia. It's easier to hurt Russian oil revenues by lifting sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. Perhaps the Arab world will be more inclined to increase oil output, if the US alters its unconditional support for current Israeli policy.

**Submission Statement**

A top aide to President Donald Trump has publicly accused India of financing Russia's war in Ukraine through its continued purchase of Russian oil, marking one of the strongest rebukes yet by the Trump administration toward a key Indo-Pacific partner. Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, said it is "not acceptable" for India to maintain such trade ties amid the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that India's oil imports from Russia are nearly on par with China’s. Despite U.S. pressure, Indian officials indicate they will continue these purchases.

donutloop

India’s increased Russian oil purchases reflect market economics more than geopolitics.  
With sanctions reshaping supply chains, discounted Russian crude became a logical choice for a large, energy‑hungry economy. Framing this as “financing the war” overlooks that Europe continued Russian energy imports well into 2023. India’s approach follows strategic autonomy diversifying partners while safeguarding national interests. For a policy shift, credible and cost‑competitive alternatives from the West are essential.

LEAWatchNews

Miller's accusation against India reveals the fundamental tension in Trump's approach to alliance management versus economic pressure tactics. By publicly equating India with China in Russian oil purchases, the administration is essentially treating a strategic Indo-Pacific partner like a competitor - a risky gambit.

This represents a significant escalation from previous diplomatic approaches. The Biden administration, while expressing concerns about Indian oil purchases, never publicly accused New Delhi of "financing" the war. Miller's language suggests the Trump team is willing to risk damaging the Quad partnership and broader Indo-Pacific strategy to achieve leverage on Russia.

India's position has been consistent since 2022: energy security trumps geopolitical alignment, especially when Western alternatives are more expensive. Indian government sources have already indicated they'll continue purchasing despite US threats. This creates a classic prisoner's dilemma where the US must choose between maintaining strategic partnerships and pursuing maximum pressure on Russia.

The timing is particularly interesting - this comes as India faces its own border tensions with China and has been increasingly valuable to US containment strategy. By pushing India toward a binary choice between US alignment and economic pragmatism, Trump risks driving New Delhi further into the BRICS framework, potentially achieving the opposite of the intended effect.

The real test will be whether this is genuine policy or negotiating theater. If it's the latter, we should expect more measured follow-up statements. If it's the former, it represents a fundamental shift in how Washington prioritizes Ukraine support versus Indo-Pacific strategy.

DonGiulio2

US Senator Lindsey Graham has called on India to leverage its influence to aid President Donald Trump in ending the Ukraine war. He emphasized that India's significant oil purchases from Russia contribute to the conflict.

US-India Relations and the Ukraine Conflict

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