New York / Moscow: Amid heightened trade tensions and US pressure over India’s energy ties with Russia, Jamieson Greer, US President Donald Trump’s trade representative, has claimed that India is already diversifying away from Russian oil.
Speaking at the Economic Club of New York, Greer said:
“The Indians are pragmatic and I think they’re already diversifying away from Russian oil. India is a sovereign country and controls its own decisions. We aren’t trying to dictate their relations with other countries.”
Greer’s remarks come as the US has imposed steep tariffs on India, including penalties targeting its oil imports from Russia, arguing that such trade fuels Moscow’s war in Ukraine. On August 27, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on India, half of which were additional sanctions linked to its continued Russian oil purchases.
Putin’s Warning to India
Days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that India could face domestic and political costs if it yielded to US pressure to cut energy ties with Moscow.
“If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer a certain loss. People in a country like India will never allow their leadership to bow to anyone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a wise leader who thinks of his country first,” Putin said at the Valdai Forum in South Russia.
Putin underscored that India and Russia share a “privileged strategic partnership” established nearly 15 years ago, which continues to hold strong. He added that oil trade not only brings economic benefits but also enhances India’s global standing as a sovereign nation.
The Larger Context
- The US wants India and China to reduce reliance on Russian oil to economically isolate Moscow.
- India has so far balanced its crude imports between Russia, the Middle East, and other global suppliers, while also defending its right to choose energy sources based on affordability and national interest.
- Despite sanctions, India’s discounted oil purchases from Russia have been a key part of its energy security strategy.
India–US Relations Post-Tariffs
Despite the sanctions and tariff hikes, ties between India and the US have seen positive exchanges between PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, suggesting attempts to smoothen frictions while keeping strategic cooperation intact.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
