New Delhi: In the face of growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a defiant stand, making it clear that India will continue prioritizing its national interests — including ongoing oil imports from Russia — even as the geopolitical spotlight intensifies.
With India becoming one of the top buyers of Russian crude oil, Trump has singled out New Delhi as a key obstacle in his bid to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, PM Modi’s administration is refusing to budge.
No Instruction to Halt Russian Oil Purchases
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that India has issued no directive to halt Russian oil imports. Both state-owned and private refiners remain free to source crude based on commercial considerations like price, quality, logistics, and global supply dynamics.
While Trump lauded what he believed was India backing off from Russian oil, Indian officials clarified that any such moves were only part of contingency planning — not an actual policy change.
Trump’s Tariffs and Threats Met With ‘Vocal for Local’
Just days after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, PM Modi responded by doubling down on his ‘Make in India’ and ‘Buy Indian’ mantra. Speaking at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, he said:
“The global economy is facing uncertainty. In such times, our purchasing decisions should be guided by one principle — we will buy what is made with the sweat and hard work of Indians.”
This assertive tone signals that India is unwilling to bow to external pressures — even from Washington — when it comes to matters of national economic sovereignty.
India Targeted as Trump Ramps Up Pressure on BRICS
The U.S. president has also criticized India for maintaining strong ties with Russia and its prominent role in the BRICS alliance, saying:
“They can take their dead economies down together.”
The comment marks a sharp shift in Washington’s tone. For years, the U.S. had tolerated India’s longstanding military and diplomatic ties with Moscow, seeing New Delhi as a counterweight to China. But with tensions escalating over Ukraine, Trump seems prepared to abandon that strategic balance in favor of pressuring India to isolate Russia.
White House Warns of ‘All Options’
Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, escalated the rhetoric, accusing India of “cheating” on trade and immigration, and fueling the war through Russian oil imports.
“All options are on the table — diplomatic, financial, and otherwise — to bring about peace,” Miller warned, in a veiled threat of further action.
Yet, even as pressure mounts, India continues to be the world’s largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, accounting for nearly a third of its oil imports. Indian refiners have taken advantage of discounted rates, especially at a time when global energy markets remain volatile.
India’s Stand: Strategic Autonomy and Sovereignty
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s position, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating:
“Our bilateral relationships stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.”
He emphasized the “time-tested” partnership with Russia, which has been a key defence supplier to India since the Cold War era. On ties with Washington, Jaiswal remained optimistic but firm:
“We are confident our relationship with the U.S. will continue to move forward — but on equal terms.”
Trade Talks to Continue, But Red Lines Remain
Despite the tensions, U.S. trade negotiators are expected to visit India later this month to resume discussions on a bilateral trade deal. However, India has made it clear that access to its dairy and agriculture sectors is off the table, citing domestic political and religious sensitivities.
A senior Indian official stated that India will not compromise on key sectors even if it means absorbing the 25% tariff impact — which is estimated to cause only a 0.2% dip in GDP, a cost the government considers manageable.
‘Make in India’ Gets a New Push
PM Modi’s renewed emphasis on self-reliance and local production aligns with his broader economic vision, but now carries added urgency.
“The interests of our farmers, our small industries, and the employment of our youth are of paramount importance,” Modi told supporters in Uttar Pradesh
