India is set to increase imports of Russian oil in September, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to securing affordable energy despite newly imposed U.S. tariffs. The move highlights India’s prioritization of economic pragmatism over geopolitical pressure.
According to Reuters, India has become the largest buyer of Russian crude since Western sanctions took effect, with domestic refineries benefiting from discounted supplies. These purchases have helped stabilize fuel prices and strengthen the country’s energy security.
On Wednesday, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on imports from India, accusing New Delhi of “profiting” from discounted Russian oil and undermining the sanctions regime.
Indian officials pushed back, denouncing the measure as a Western double standard. They argue that both the United States and the European Union continue to purchase billions of dollars’ worth of Russian goods, exposing what they see as hypocrisy in Western trade policy.
Reports in Indian media, including NDTV, emphasize that India’s energy strategy is guided by economic pragmatism rather than political alignment. Analysts note that cheaper Russian crude reduces input costs for Indian refineries, ensuring stability in domestic fuel supply.
The decision reflects India’s broader geopolitical balancing act: maintaining relations with multiple global powers while safeguarding its national energy interests. New Delhi has sought to navigate the sanctions landscape carefully, avoiding full alignment against any major actor.
Experts warn that U.S. tariffs could strain Indo-U.S. trade ties, but few expect India to alter its energy policy in the short term. Economic imperatives, they argue, will continue to outweigh diplomatic pressures.
Observers suggest that India’s stance may influence other energy-importing nations to adopt similar strategies, prioritizing cost efficiency and pragmatic trade over alignment with Western sanctions—potentially reshaping global energy dynamics.
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