Strategic Hypocrisy? Unpacking Who’s Funding Russia’s War In Ukraine And Why U.S. Is Penalising India With Steep Tariff While Letting China Off The Hook | World News
New Delhi/Washington: Donald Trump in the United States placed India at the center of criticism on oil imports from Russia. Senior US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, claim that Indian purchases help to finance the war in Ukraine. The administration has brought 25% tariff to India exports. On August 27, a second penalty of 25% entered into force and increased the total tasks to 50%.
The United States claims that India’s oil trade with Russia directly contributes to war with Ukraine. According to US trade adviser Peter Navarro, India is now the center of ending bloodshed. He made it clear that the road to peace has passed through the new Delhi.
India has repeatedly stated that she had no role in the Ukrainian conflict. The country did not provide weapons to both sides. The Indian government supports diplomatic dialogue. He offered to mediate if asked. Indian officials said the war was not themselves.
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On the contrary, the Western countries provided military aid to Ukraine. There are large amounts of weapons and financial aid from the United States and Europe. Their objectives are to implement a strategic defeat to Russia. This goal is accused of weakening Western efforts despite the fact that India did not participate in the conflict, even after two years of intensive fire exchange.
Emphasis Charges
Navarro claimed that Indian companies imported oil far beyond domestic needs. He says they sensitively cheap Russian oil and re -export products. He blames them of emphasis. India refused to refine the oil for export. The country clarified the position.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that India has purchased oil in accordance with global pricing rules. Authority said the US advised to buy a discounted Russian oil to India. He points out that Europe is one of the biggest receivers in India’s refined fuels. Trade is legal. He follows his market demand. Refined product for any recipient was not forced.
US and European companies are also participating in this trade. No action was taken against them. The United States itself sells liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. A recent agreement requires Europe to receive $ 750 billion American LNG for three years. US oil companies benefit. American defense companies also earn Ukraine from arms sales. These points did not receive criticism from Bessent and Navarro.
Weapon Sales and Infrastructure
The United States provided a weapon worth $ 90 billion to Europe. These are for transition to Ukraine. America also approved the sale of 3,350 expanded ranking attack ammunition (ERAMS). These weapons were designed to be used in the Ukrainian War. Indian oil imports attracted more attention from US officials than these arms shipments.
According to Jaishankar, the United States applies its standards unequal. Discounted oil sales are legal. Business decisions taken by Indian companies are legal. The Russian oil they buy is within the price limit determined by the G7. No legal violation.
Jaishankar emphasizes that India imports oil to serve national interests. Reduces energy costs. Increasing the economy. He calls for the accusations of conducting a “laundry için for the hypocritical for Russia.
Trade penalties, economic impact
Indian imports about 85% of oil needs. Russia supplies between 18% and 20%. Imports from Iraq make up approximately 20% to 23%. Saudi Arabia supplies 16% to 18%. The UAE contributes to 8% to 10%. United States provide 6 to 7%. Nigeria and West African countries supply 5 to 6%.
In 2024-25, Russia’s share rose to 36% in volume. The Middle East is 46%. CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan) created 39% of the total imports according to value. India supplied oil from about 40 countries.
Between January and July 2025, India imported 1.73 million barrels (BPD) a day from Russia. This was equal to one third of the total oil needs.
In contrast, imports from the US reached 271,000 BPDs. Brazil imports became 73,000 BPD. Nigerian and Kuwait volumes remained modest.
Indian refinery, led by Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, discussed 60% of Russian imports. In many cases, raw was refined and exported. Europe has become a major buyer of these products.
The Trump administration announced steep tariffs on Indian goods. The new rate affects 55% of 87 billion dollars of exports in India’s exports to the United States. Hit products include clothing, shrimp, processed diamonds and furniture. Drugs and electronics were not targeted.
Industrial groups warn job losses. Order books for Indian exporters began to shrink. The Indian government plans to support affected industries. Authorities also plan to explore alternative export markets.
China’s oil purchases from Russia
China continues to be the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas. In 2024, Chinese imports reached 108 million metric tons. These materials come through long -term contracts through pipelines. They are not affected by the G7 price limit.
Nevertheless, China did not face penalties for Trump administration. China continues to buy it from Russia. The United States and Europe asked for Beijing only to stop sending military aid to Moscow.
Navarro said India increased Russian oil imports from 1 to 30%to 35%. He says China maintains fixed volumes of approximately 20%. He also claims that China has more resources. Indian officials reject this argument.
India has various oil resources. It imports large skin from the Middle East, Africa, North America and Latin America. The data show that Russia provides 20% of India’s oil needs. In contrast, China imports large amounts from Iran, which is under the US sanctions. No action was taken against these imports.
China’s energy trade continues without US trade penalties. India faces higher tariffs despite smaller import volumes and more compatibility. Critics call it unfairly. Indian officials say the trade relationship with the United States should be based on equality and respect. The country chose not to be printed.
(Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Politico, India Times, The Economic Times, Business Standard, US Energy Information Administration, Eteenergyworld.com, Oilprice.com, Etauto.com)
