India Calls Out US Double Standards on Russian Oil Trade
By Sanjeev Oak
In a striking diplomatic move, India has accused the United States and the European Union of hypocrisy over its oil imports from Russia — a trade that Washington had once openly backed, claiming it helped stabilise global fuel prices. The same West that once applauded now raises objections, even levelling false allegations that Indian payments are being used to fund the Ukraine war.
“The very oil purchases that the US hailed as price stabilisers are now being painted as a geopolitical liability.”
From Endorsement to Objection
India’s Ministry of External Affairs reminded Washington that it had supported India’s decision to buy Russian crude — and pointed out an inconvenient fact: both the US and EU continue to trade with Moscow themselves.
This firm stance, officials say, is not just political posturing but a demonstration of strategic and economic foresight. Under former President Donald Trump, the US sought to pressure India at multiple levels, yet New Delhi maintained a sovereign, self-reliant trade policy — engaging with global powers like the US, EU and Russia without bowing to coercion.
When global crude prices soared in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war — West Texas Intermediate up 52.33% and Brent Crude 56.33% — India’s energy security was at risk. Russian discounts offered a lifeline, enabling the government to keep domestic fuel prices stable since 2022.
A Pragmatic Economic Choice
Europe’s energy dependence on Russia left it reeling under sanctions. India, meanwhile, refined Russian oil and exported it to Europe, indirectly meeting their needs and helping stabilise global prices.
“India’s Russian oil imports were as much a service to the global market as they were a shield for the Indian consumer.”
The move curbed inflation at home, shielding public transport, agriculture, and manufacturing from shocks — while recession fears loomed over the US, UK, and Europe. India’s example became a template for other developing economies.
Defiance in the Face of Threats
At the start of these imports, both Washington and Brussels threatened sanctions. India did not blink. Ironically, last year, the US itself admitted that India’s Russian oil trade had helped keep global prices in check. Today, however, it has imposed tariffs on Indian goods — in some cases higher than on Pakistan — citing the very Russia factor it once ignored.
Trade Talks and Pressure Politics
Even as Indo-US trade negotiations continue, the Trump administration increased import duties on Indian goods, pushing for easier access for US farm and dairy products in India’s sensitive agricultural sector. New Delhi refused to compromise on farmer welfare or food security.
“Protecting the livelihoods of India’s farmers is non-negotiable.”
Blocking US agricultural entry into India’s 1.4 billion-strong market is a loss Washington can ill afford. If it persists with this hardline stance, American exporters will take the bigger hit.
Numbers Tell the Story
In FY2023, India’s imports from the US stood at $44.4 billion, making it one of New Delhi’s top suppliers — from crude oil and LNG to diamonds, gold, aircraft, electronics, machinery, and agricultural goods. But alternatives abound: the Middle East, Russia, and other suppliers can fill any gap.
Washington’s deeper frustration lies elsewhere: India has resisted pressure to buy US F-35 fighter jets, even after demonstrating their vulnerability during operations in Pakistan. Instead, India has expanded trade with Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and African nations, exporting agricultural products and emerging as a leader of the Global South.
The Larger Strategic Shift
Schemes like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India have boosted domestic manufacturing in electronics, automobiles, defence, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing — reducing imports while positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.
“India’s Russia oil stance is not an act of defiance; it is an assertion of a new global confidence.”
Anchored in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and the creed of “India First,” the policy enjoys broad support from industry to ordinary citizens.