US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on India ahead of possible new sanctions against Russia and its energy partners. Trump has accused India of continuing to buy Russian oil and profiting from the sale of oil products refined from this crude, regardless of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
India maintains its stance of defending economic sovereignty, noting that the US and EU countries also maintain profitable trade relations with Russia. Indian authorities highlight the country's strategic partnership with the US, but are wary of exacerbating relations with China and the risks posed by a closer Russia-China alliance.
Unlike his predecessor Joseph Biden, Trump seeks to restrict Russia's energy revenues, even at the risk of straining ties with India. New Delhi is considering ways to adapt to US sanctions, since higher tariffs on Indian goods could harm the local economy.
So far, India has made no final decision on buying Russian oil if new sanctions take effect, and conflicting statements from officials show the issue remains unresolved and will depend on further political developments.
