India's Oil Dilemma: Strategic Partnerships Under Pressure

The U.S. criticizes India's purchase of Russian oil, suggesting it funds Russia's war efforts. India's Foreign Ministry argues it's unfairly targeted while the U.S. imposes higher tariffs. Despite economic ties with Russia and China, India continues its oil imports, impacting U.S.-India strategic relations.

The White House, through trade adviser Peter Navarro, has accused India of indirectly funding Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine by importing Russian crude oil, calling for an end to such purchases.

In an opinion piece in the Financial Times, Navarro emphasized that India's evolving relations with Russia and China could jeopardize its strategic partnership with the United States. He cautioned that maintaining close ties with these nations might hinder the U.S. from providing advanced military technologies to India.

With Indian Oil Corp persisting in its Russian crude imports based on economic viability, tensions are rising. The U.S. recently upped tariffs on Indian goods by 25%, with a planned trade negotiation meeting now shelved. This backdrop of escalating tariffs comes as India's diplomacy with China advances ahead of key leadership meetings.

(With inputs from agencies.)