Sinking US-India Ties, Letting China Off: Geostrategist Blasts Trump’s Double Standard Over Russian Oil
INDIAN DEFENCE
In a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s provocative comments about India’s continued trade with Russia have sparked intense diplomatic and analytical debates. Trump’s blanket threat of imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports—framed as a punishment for New Delhi’s energy cooperation with Moscow—was met with sharp criticism from global geostrategists.
The backlash from Indian foreign policy voices and global strategic thinkers has been swift and vocal. Many see this as a continuation of the West’s tendency to expect compliance from democratic allies while turning a blind eye to authoritarian regimes that pose bigger strategic threats. India’s Ministry of External Affairs underscored that New Delhi will continue to make independent decisions based on its energy security, price considerations, and long-term economic stability. Adding to the fire, Trump’s derogatory remarks labelling India and Russia as "dead economies" were condemned as inaccurate and diplomatically irresponsible, especially given India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The contrasting silence on China’s robust trade with Russia raises serious concerns among defence experts about Washington’s selective outrage. As global alliances evolve, these tensions could redefine the trajectory of U.S.–India relations, with India expected to double down on its doctrine of multi-alignment, resisting pressure from any bloc. If unchecked, such comments may not only harm bilateral trade but also reduce trust in Indo-U.S. strategic cooperation, especially in sensitive areas like defence, technology, and energy infrastructure.
While India has maintained a clear position that its imports of discounted Russian oil are based on national interest and economic logic, experts argue that Trump’s rhetoric ignores the elephant in the room: China. Beijing remains the largest buyer of Russian energy since the onset of the Ukraine war, yet receives no similar threats or condemnation from Washington. This apparent double standard not only weakens U.S. credibility but may also push India further towards asserting its strategic autonomy, potentially at the cost of deteriorating ties with the West. Analysts note that by vilifying India, Trump risks alienating a key democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific while conveniently sidestepping China’s growing influence and trade with sanctioned regimes.