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India-Russia: While the US is trying to increase economic pressure on Russia, India is not in the mood to accept any external pressure, considering its energy policy as a sovereignty.
India-Russia: Trump’s statement is in discussion before the high-profile meeting of US President Donald Trump and Russia President Vladimir Putin to be held in Akrej, Alaska on Friday. Trump said in an interview to Fox News on Thursday that the decision to impose a duty on India inspired Russia to talk with the US, as it lost its “second largest customer”.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that the fee imposed on India on buying oil from Russia forced Moscow to demand a meeting with Washington. He says that India was the second largest customer in Russia and its removal increased the pressure on Russia. However, India has clarified that it will continue to purchase oil due to economic reasons and will not come under American pressure.
Trump’s claim and US pressure
Trump said, “When I told India that we will impose a fee on you, because you are buying oil from Russia, India almost stopped taking oil from Russia and then Russia called us and expressed his desire to meet.”
He said that India was the second largest customer for Russia and it was reaching close to China. China is currently the largest oil buyer of Russia. According to Trump, losing big customers may be the cause of change in Russia’s attitude.
India’s stance; No restriction on oil purchase
India has dismissed Trump’s claim, saying that it has not stopped purchasing oil from Russia under the pressure of US fee. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman A.S. Sahni said, “We do shopping completely from an economic point of view. If the price and the quality of crude oil are adapted to our processing, then we buy.”
US fee and economic impact
Trump announced an additional 25% duty on US imports from India last week, which will make the total duty to 50%. This decision will be applicable from August 27 and this is likely to affect the export of about 40 billion dollars of India to the US.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has described these fees as “inappropriate and non-concluded” and said that India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interest and economic security.
Geopolitical references and disputes
Trump alleged that India is giving a “war machine fuel” from Russia, which indirectly supports Ukraine War. At the same time, India says that it only decides on the basis of its energy needs and economic benefits, and it is not affected by any political pressure.
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