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Global Oil Politics Heat Up as Trump Hits Out at India
On August 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account his intention to “substantially” increase tariffs on Indian imports after accusing India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it for profit, regardless of Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis.
Trump alleged:
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits.”
Earlier, effective from August 1, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports and warned of further penalties for India’s energy and defence purchases from Russia.
Trump later said he had “heard” India may cease importing oil from Russia and called that a “good step.”
India’s Response
• Indian government sources stated that the country plans to continue buying Russian oil, citing long-term contracts, market-driven decisions, and energy security considerations, despite U.S. pressure.
• While some state-run refiners paused new Russian crude purchases recently, this was attributed to narrowing price discounts, not government orders aimed at complying with U.S. threats.
• However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs quickly dismissed the claim, emphasising that energy sourcing decisions remain driven by market factors—price, logistics, global availability—not U.S. pressure.
India Stands Firm at Trump's Threats
India, meanwhile, maintains a firm stance: its longstanding, strategic partnership with Russia—and its energy procurement policies—operate independently of Western influence, underlining a commitment to sovereignty and national interests amid trade tensions with Washington.
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Read our earlier stories on the tariff war here: