US Claims Trump Tariff Pushed India to Cut Russian Oil, Sparking Diplomatic Debate
The US claims a 25% Trump-era tariff prompted India to reduce or halt Russian oil imports, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This comes amid proposed US legislation threatening up to 500% tariffs on countries trading with Russia, aiming to curb funding for the Ukraine war. India, however, has not confirmed any such cut, asserting its energy procurement is driven by market conditions, affordability, and national energy security, resisting US pressure despite diplomatic speculation.
The United States has intensified pressure on India over its continued purchases of Russian crude oil, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserting that India has either scaled back or halted these imports following a 25% tariff imposed by then-President Donald Trump. Bessent’s remarks, made at the World Economic Forum, also referenced proposed US legislation by Senator Lindsey Graham that could levy tariffs as high as 500% on nations trading with Russia, framing these actions as critical to preventing Moscow from funding its war in Ukraine. Senator Graham further claimed that India's Ambassador to the US had confirmed reducing purchases and sought tariff relaxation from Trump.However, the Indian government has consistently offered a more cautious and non-committal stance. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged awareness of the proposed US bill but refrained from confirming any halt in Russian oil imports. India maintains that its energy procurement decisions are driven by global market conditions, availability, and the crucial need to ensure affordable and secure energy for its vast population, emphasizing commercial rather than political considerations. India also asserts that its purchases of discounted Russian crude do not violate any international sanctions and contribute to stabilizing domestic fuel prices. This ongoing divergence underscores the complex balance between US geopolitical objectives and India's national energy security and economic imperatives.
