Tensions are rising between India and the US as President Trump pressures Modi to stop buying discounted Russian oil, citing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

By Aniket Chakraborty

Aug 6, 2025

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INDIA NEWS 

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Trump’s frustration has led to threats of a significant tariff increase on Indian goods, with the 25% tariff announced last week.

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India continues to buy Russian oil, which accounts for 36% of its imports, to fuel its growing economy and meet energy needs.

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The US claims that India’s continued Russian oil imports are helping sustain Moscow’s war efforts, prompting Trump's demands for India to choose a side.

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The US claims that India’s continued Russian oil imports are helping sustain Moscow’s war efforts, prompting Trump's demands for India to choose a side.

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India argues its decision is purely economic, as it struggles with a growing demand for oil, and is seeking alternatives while still relying on Russian crude.

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India’s oil purchases are not just a bilateral issue; they have global ramifications, potentially influencing oil prices and affecting the US as well.

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The ongoing friendship between Trump and Modi has been tested, with Modi’s close ties to Putin making it difficult for India to abandon its Russian relationship.

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The US’s frustration is compounded by its inability to bring an end to the Ukraine-Russia war, a key promise of Trump’s presidency.

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As the pressure mounts, India continues to navigate its complex relationships with both Russia and the US, balancing national interest with international diplomacy.

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