India-Russia-China proximity: The tension between the US and India over buying crude oil from Russia has increased once again. This time, a top White House official has openly expressed concern that India is getting closer to Russia and China. In an article published in the Financial Times, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro wrote that this attitude of India is risky for US strategic interests.
Navarro said that if India really wants a strategic partnership with Washington, then it will have to take steps accordingly. He alleged that India is now not only fulfilling its needs by buying oil from Russia on a large scale, but is also exporting it at high prices, due to which Moscow is getting dollars.
“India is handing over dollars to Moscow” – Navarro’s allegation
According to Navarro, India has become the largest consumer of crude oil from Russia today. He claimed that India is refining this oil and selling it at high prices, due to which Russia is getting economic support. He said that India’s closeness with Russia and China poses a serious risk in sharing US military capabilities.
This comment has come at a time when the US considers India an important partner against China’s growing influence in Asia. But Navarro says that if New Delhi continues to deepen its relations with Moscow and Beijing, it will be a blow to trust.
Trump’s tariff war and oil dispute
The tussle between India and the US over Russian oil is nothing new. India was repeatedly targeted during President Donald Trump’s tenure as well. He created pressure by first imposing a 25 percent and then an additional 25 percent tariff on goods imported from India. The Trump administration even hinted that a penalty could be imposed on India for continuing to buy oil from Russia.
Trump argued that this step is necessary to compensate for the US economy and trade deficit. But when journalists asked him for a direct answer on the question of buying Russian oil, he appeared uncomfortable and avoided the answer many times.
India’s clear message: “National interest is paramount”
India has always made it clear that decisions like oil purchase are taken only keeping in mind its economic interest and energy security. The Foreign Ministry had clearly said that many member countries of the European Union are also doing business with Russia, but India is criticized the most.
New Delhi says that no external pressure can be given place in decisions related to energy needs and citizens’ interests. India also believes that its foreign policy is based on balance, where partnership is important as well as sovereignty.
A new test of US-India relations
This dispute over oil purchase from Russia shows how complicated the relationship between India and America is. On the one hand, both the countries are increasing partnership in defense, technology and security matters, on the other hand, tension is also increasing due to energy policy and stance on Russia.
Experts believe that by putting pressure on India, America wants to send a message that it will have to pay a price for getting out of global sanctions. But India is not ready to back down from its stand yet.
Result: Path of partnership or conflict?
This dispute makes it clear that in the coming times, both America and India will have to balance their respective interests. America wants India to stand with it completely, while India puts its energy needs and strategic independence first.
At present, it is difficult to say whether this tussle will turn into a deep rift or both the countries will create a new balance through mutual understanding. It is certain that India’s role in the global energy market and its decisions will remain in constant discussion in the coming days.