News Desk
NEW DELHI: India faced renewed diplomatic and economic pressure over its continued energy cooperation with Russia, as analysts warned that changing global dynamics and possible new US trade measures could create challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
According to reports, legislation approved by the US Senate could impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries importing significant amounts of Russian energy. India, which has remained one of the major buyers of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine war, could be among the countries affected if the measures become law.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal said India was particularly exposed to the proposed legislation because of its dependence on Russian energy supplies. He said New Delhi faced a difficult balancing act between protecting its energy security and maintaining strategic ties with Washington.
India has defended its energy purchases from Russia, arguing that affordable oil imports were important for meeting the needs of its growing economy. However, the issue has remained a sensitive point in India’s relations with Western countries seeking to restrict Moscow’s energy revenues.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the importance and sensitivity of Russian oil imports, saying the issue was being viewed in the context of changing international circumstances.
Indian energy expert Kirit Parikh warned that prolonged pressure on the Indian rupee could increase inflationary pressures and raise costs for consumers. He said economic consequences could emerge if external pressures affected currency stability and energy prices.
The proposed US measures had not yet come into force, and their final impact on India would depend on the outcome of legislative processes and future policy decisions by Washington. The situation placed India in a complex position as it sought to balance economic interests, energy security and its expanding strategic relationship with both Russia and the United States.
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