In a bold retort to Trump’s tariffs, India ramps up Russian oil imports, slaps Trump harder than ever

In an unprecedented move, India has decided to not back down against the US and will keep buying more Russian oil than ever. A day after levying an additional 25% tariff on India, apart from the 25% reciprocal tariffs, the US senator had stigmatized the Russia-Ukraine war as Modi’s war and even threatened China and Brazil to face the consequences like India if they did not stop buying Russian oil.

New Delhi: America might have forgotten that it is the same India that stood firm against its economic sanctions when it successfully conducted its first nuclear test against American bravado. And it is the same Russia that has been incessantly supporting India for decades without backstabbing us. Now it's high time to make them realize India's true potential.

India-US trade tensions: India's strategy to increase Russian oil imports

The trade tensions between India and the US are at their peak. Despite the 25% additional tariff imposed on India by US President Donald Trump, India has refused to bow down. Rather, according to a recent report by Reuters, India is now preparing to further increase crude oil imports from Russia in the month of September. This move is being seen as a clear strategic response to US pressure.

Russian oil imports increase despite US tariffs

Reports suggest that major Indian companies, Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, are planning to increase crude oil imports from Russia in the month of September. It is estimated that these companies can increase their purchase of Russian oil by 10% to 20% compared to the month of August.

This means that India can import 1.5 to 3 lakh additional barrels of oil per day. This move clearly shows that India is prioritizing its energy needs and economic interests, even if the US is pressuring it.

Questioning America's double standards

A major issue in this entire dispute is America's double standards. On the one hand, the US is imposing tariffs on India for buying oil from Russia and is alleging that India is making profits by taking advantage of the discounts on Russian oil, while on the other hand, the US itself continues to trade billions of dollars with Russia.

Indian officials have questioned this and accused Western countries of adopting double standards. This situation raises a big question mark on the credibility of the allegations being made by the West in international politics.

Forget about the Indian officials; even Trump's detractors and former US officials question his hypocrisy on not imposing tariffs on China for buying even more oil than India.

India's strategic position and future

Amidst this tension, India has clearly prioritized its sovereignty and economic interests. The decision to increase oil imports from Russia is not only a retaliatory action against US pressure, but it is also a well-thought-out step towards ensuring India's energy security.

India has now become the largest buyer of Russian oil, which strengthens its strategic position. In the future, it will be interesting to see whether the US takes a tougher stand on this issue or whether the two countries are able to reach a compromise. This entire episode has underlined India's growing self-reliance and confident foreign policy in global politics.