India finds itself caught in geopolitical storm

(MENAFN) As one of the world's largest oil consumers, India finds itself caught in a geopolitical storm. While Washington pressures New Delhi to increase imports of American oil and cut ties with Russian suppliers, Moscow continues to back India’s energy independence and condemns US coercion.

The US has intensified efforts to influence India's energy and defense policies, particularly regarding Russian oil imports. In early 2025, former President Joe Biden’s administration imposed sanctions on major Russian energy firms such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, along with 183 oil tankers, disrupting supply chains and affecting Indian businesses.

As a result, India's crude oil imports from Russia fell by 25% in February, dropping to 1.07 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.4 million bpd in January, according to Vortexa. Meanwhile, US crude shipments to India nearly doubled, rising to 0.2 million bpd, as India pledged to increase American energy purchases to $25 billion to navigate the pressure.

Adding to economic challenges, Trump announced new reciprocal tariffs on April 2, targeting countries like India, which has higher import duties on US goods. The disparity is notable—India’s average tariff is 17%, compared to just 3.3% in the US, which could lead to export losses of up to $7 billion annually for Indian businesses.

Beyond trade and energy, defense ties are also under strain, with threats to delay military equipment deliveries. However, India has resisted external pressure, maintaining a long-standing strategic partnership with Russia that is deeply rooted rather than purely transactional.

Despite the rising geopolitical storm, India remains committed to strategic autonomy and economic resilience, carefully balancing its ties with both Washington and Moscow without taking sides.

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