India and Russia have reaffirmed their strategic and economic partnership amid the imposition of 50 percent additional US tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil. The United States, under President Trump, cited India’s procurement of Russian oil and alleged support for Russia’s war efforts as the reason for the duties, while China, which is also importing Russian oil, has not faced similar measures. The US administration justified the tariffs as a pressure tactic on Russia, referencing diplomatic meetings with President Putin.
Despite the US measures, India has maintained a firm stance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India will not yield to sanctions and emphasized prioritizing national and public interests. Russia has expressed full support for India, with diplomat Roman Babushkin highlighting special mechanisms in place to ensure uninterrupted oil supply and criticizing the US actions as unfair. He further noted that diplomatic and military cooperation between India and Russia remains strong, and Russia has assured to purchase Indian goods even if exports to the US are affected.
Deputy Prime Minister Denis confirmed that oil supplies to India will continue irrespective of US tariffs and added that coal essential for electricity generation and steel production will also be supplied. These assurances were conveyed during the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, attended by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Reports indicate that Russia is providing oil to India at approximately five percent lower prices than before, with future pricing expected to fluctuate within a five percent range, according to Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative Evgeny Griva.