Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected mounting U.S. pressure over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, even as former President Donald Trump escalates the trade standoff with a 25% tariff on Indian imports. The move, aimed at curbing global oil trade with Moscow, comes with threats of even harsher penalties unless Russia agrees to a Ukraine peace deal. Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, openly accused India of “financing Russia’s war,” placing its energy policy on par with China’s, despite claiming the U.S. still values its strategic ties with New Delhi.
India, however, has made it clear that no directive has been issued to halt Russian crude imports. With both public and private refiners operating on market logic, the government emphasized its right to secure affordable energy. At a rally in Uttar Pradesh, Modi doubled down on the country’s self-reliance agenda, declaring that India will prioritize products “made by the sweat of an Indian,” reinforcing the spirit of the “Make in India” movement.
Analysts note that India sees discounted Russian oil as crucial to stabilizing domestic fuel prices and meeting rising energy demands. With global economic tensions on the rise, the Modi government appears determined to protect national interests—even at the risk of further trade friction with Washington.
