India Must Stay Calm Amid US-EU Attacks Over Oil Purchases from Russia

As tensions rise over India's oil purchases from Russia, New Delhi must prioritize its national interest and maintain strategic autonomy while navigating complex relationships with the US and the EU. The US has imposed additional tariffs on Indian goods, and the EU has sanctioned one of India's major private oil refiners, citing concerns over Russian oil imports. However, India has pointed out the double standards in these measures, as the EU's trade with Russia has actually increased in recent years.

Key Takeaways:

• India's energy security remains a critical factor in shaping policy, with Russia being an old friend and a reliable supplier of crude oil.
• The US and EU's coercive diplomacy tactics have rarely worked with India, which emphasizes maintaining strategic autonomy since Independence.
• India must be prepared to push back when the US and EU look to hurt its interests, while still engaging in partnerships where they support national interests.
• The EU's trade with Russia has increased in recent years, despite citing concerns over Russian oil imports.
• The US encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global crude markets and prevent price hikes.
• Coercive diplomacy can make countries dependent on a single power vulnerable to arm-twisting, as seen with European nations and the US.
• India must choose partnerships over partners, and prioritize its national interests over external pressures.

Statistics:

• 25% tariff imposed by the US on Indian imports
• 25% additional tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods
• EU's trade with Russia has increased in 2024, despite concerns over Russian oil imports
• India's oil purchases from Russia have been on the rise, with a significant portion of refined petroleum products using Russian crude

Sources:

• ABP Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com, Copyright 2025