America Buys Russian Fuel, So Why Not India? Putin Challenges US Stand

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly challenged United States punitive tariffs on energy-trade relations with India. He said that if America has the right to buy fuel from Russia, then why should India be stopped from doing so? He made this comment in a recent interview. This intrusion of Russian President Putin has come at the same time that he has come to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi after four years. The two countries intend to expand trade in energy and defense as well, and the Russian leadership says confidence in oil-energy cooperation is enduring. 

Is the impact of America's tariffs visible?

Currently, the US has imposed additional taxes/tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia, which have reached critical rates overall, and this move has put pressure on India-US trade relations. Experts say this policy could create strategic challenges for India as both energy imports and trade balance are being affected. 

Is India still buying more oil from Russia?

According to recent data, Russia remains a major source for India. Some reports say that Russian crude has become a major part of India's total imports, and purchases from Russia remained at the top level in November. Nevertheless, due to market activity and policy pressure, small and big fluctuations are visible in purchases.

Is this topic limited to energy only?

No, this question is broad. While the Putin-Modi summit remains on the defensive side, both sides are talking about taking trade to $100 billion by 2030 and finding ways to reduce energy import dependence and increase Indian exports. In the eyes of experts, this period is also a test of balancing politics for India: maintaining strategic relations with America and also maintaining the ongoing energy partnership with Russia. 

Is something big going to change?

This period will be influenced by policy and economic decisions. India's administration has repeatedly said that it will take energy and security decisions in accordance with its national interest. Global pressures, US-Russia relations, and international market trends will decide in the next few months in which direction India adopts a more balanced strategy.