NEW DELHI: India is facing renewed pressure over its continued purchases of Russian oil as US President Donald Trump gains new authority to impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian energy, creating fresh uncertainty for New Delhi’s energy strategy and trade relations with Washington.
A new sanctions law signed by Trump gives him the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries that continue importing Russian oil. The measure is aimed at reducing revenue streams that support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
India’s energy dilemma
The legislation has placed India in a difficult position as the country seeks to balance affordable energy supplies with its strategic relationship with the United States.
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India imports more than 90 percent of the crude oil it consumes, making access to reliable and cost-effective energy sources a major priority.
Russian crude has become an increasingly important part of India’s energy mix, particularly as disruptions in global energy markets have affected supplies from other regions. According to energy data firm Kpler, Russian oil accounted for around half of India’s crude imports during the summer.
Pressure on New Delhi
The latest US move adds to a series of policy shifts that have pressured India to reconsider the scale of its Russian oil purchases.
While Washington has argued that restrictions are intended to limit Moscow’s financial resources, India has maintained that its energy decisions are based on national interests, market conditions and the need to secure supplies for its growing economy.
The new tariff authority also gives Trump significant discretion over when and how such measures could be applied, leaving uncertainty over whether Indian exports to the US could face higher costs.
Balancing global partnerships
India has developed close economic and strategic ties with both the United States and Russia, making energy policy a sensitive issue for New Delhi.
The latest developments come as India attempts to protect its energy security while managing pressure from Washington over its continued engagement with Moscow.
