India’s Oil Imports and US Actions: A Global Perspective

• India cannot cancel oil imports from Russia like it did with Iran and Venezuela six years ago due to the difference in the scale and importance of the relationship.

• Experts warn that the US’s actions are damaging the relationship built over decades.

• In 2018, US President Trump demanded India “zero out” its oil imports from Iran and Venezuela.

• Trump signed an executive order levying a 25% penalty on Indian goods unless India cut energy purchases from Russia, which currently make up more than 35% of its oil imports.

• Former Indian Ambassador Arun Singh warns that caveating to Trump’s demands could increase the US’s appetite for more concessions.

• Scholar Brahma Chellaney suggests the US move on Russian oil is a cover to force India into accepting trading terms