Why will India keep buying the Russian oil and won’t bow down to the outlandish demands of Donald Trump?

After Donald Trump imposed more tariffs on India for buying Russian oil and was reprimanded by India for exposing his lie about breaking a ceasefire between India and his favored Pakistan, we will now discuss the reasons for India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian oil despite these uncanny tariffs. In this article, we will explore in-depth why it would be inimical for India to divert its oil imports away from Russia.

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump recently took tough steps to put pressure on India. He announced the imposition of a 25% additional tariff on Indian imports and also threatened penalties on countries buying oil and gas from Russia.

America hoped that India would stop importing Russian oil under this pressure, but India hardened its stance. The Indian government called the US tariff "unfair and impractical" and made it clear that it would take a decision based on its national interests.

Why did India not accept US pressure?

According to experts, this decision of India is not limited to oil imports only, but it is part of a long-term strategy. There are 5 major reasons behind this tough stand of India:

1. Trust Russia instead of America. ("Not a friend, but a brother")

India and Russia have decades-old defense and economic ties. America has betrayed India by giving economic aid to Pakistan. In such a situation, India decided that "America can be a friend, but Russia is a brother." When it comes to choose bertween America and Russia, India will give priority to "brother" (Russia).

2. Threat in trade deal with America

America wants India to open its agricultural market to foreign companies. But India's economy is largely dependent on agriculture. If India does so, the government's control over inflation and economic growth may weaken. Therefore, India cannot accept American pressure.

3. Strategy to break China's monopoly

India has recently started importing naphtha from Russia, which is essential for the petrochemical, plastic, and defense industries. China has a monopoly in this sector. By importing naphtha from Russia, India wants to break China's monopoly and can itself become a net exporter in the future.

4. Development of self-reliant defense industry

India not only buys weapons from Russia but also takes technical cooperation. Russia has given the technology of fighter aircraft to India, due to which India has made indigenous fighter jets like Tejas. Naphtha import will make India self-reliant in the manufacture of drones and other defense equipment. Therefore, breaking ties with Russia is not beneficial for India.

5. Preparation for retaliatory tariff and digital tax

If the US increases tariffs on Indian products, India can also impose a retaliatory tax on US imports. India can reimpose digital tax on US tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon. This move will give a big shock to US companies.

India refuses to bow down to US pressure

India has made it clear that it will not compromise on its national interests. Despite US pressure, India will continue to import oil and naphtha from Russia, as it is part of its economic and security strategy. If the US exerts more pressure, India has retaliatory options.