New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a resolute stance amid growing pressure from the United States, signaling that India will continue its independent energy policy despite U.S. concerns over Russian oil imports.
The strong response follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, a move that has further strained trade ties between the two nations. Addressing the matter, Modi encouraged citizens to support local products while making it clear that India’s economic and energy strategies will be driven by national interests, not foreign demands.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, New Delhi has not issued any directive to state-run or private refiners to halt Russian crude purchases. “Oil procurement remains a commercial decision, and refiners are free to source from preferred suppliers,” the sources said on condition of anonymity.
As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India has consistently defended its imports of discounted Russian crude, arguing that they are vital to maintaining price stability at home and ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
This stance has set the stage for a potential escalation in both trade and diplomatic tensions between Washington and New Delhi, as Trump continues to link India’s oil trade with his newly announced tariff hikes.
Despite mounting U.S. pressure, Indian officials insist their energy policies comply with international norms and contribute to global market stability. “Our priority is affordable energy for our people while keeping international markets balanced,” a senior government source stated.
With neither government signaling a willingness to compromise, the dispute is expected to become a major flashpoint in U.S.-India relations in the weeks ahead.
