Increase in U.S. tariffs on Indian goods imminent, with Trump claiming India's involvement in supporting Russia's military efforts
In recent developments, China and India have emerged as major buyers of Russian crude oil, providing critical financial support to Moscow amidst Western sanctions and tariff pressures.
India, in particular, has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Purchases have surged more than 20-fold, reaching over 2 million barrels per day (bpd), accounting for about 35-44% of India's total crude intake as of mid-2025. China, too, has become a significant destination for Russian oil, with purchases increasing due to shifts in shipments from India to China, often at discounted prices.
These discounted oil sales, around $1 per barrel or more, help Russia maintain export volumes and secure financing despite the sanctions. Indian and Chinese refiners act as key intermediaries, enabling Russia to exploit energy revenues despite the economic isolation.
The United States, under President Trump, imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports in response to India's purchase of Russian oil and weapons. Similar discussions and threats of high tariffs have targeted China, although China defends its sovereignty in trade decisions.
Despite potential pressure to reduce imports, both India and China are unlikely to stop entirely due to geopolitical and economic considerations. They continue to balance economic benefits with diplomatic pressures.
Meanwhile, Russia and China are conducting their annual joint military sea exercises near the Russian port city of Vladivostok, across the sea from Japan's west coast. President Donald Trump accused India of fueling the "Russian war machine" by buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market.
Trump also stated that Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year, while Ukraine lost approximately 8,000 soldiers - a figure that doesn't include those "missing." The Trump administration expressed that deepening U.S. ties with India would be strategically important to countering China.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia later this week ahead of the Friday deadline Trump gave to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the fighting in Ukraine. Trump's tone towards India and Russia sharpened, with warnings of tariffs and penalties for continued oil purchases. However, Trump also suggested that he does not care what India does with Russia and that they can take their dead economies down together.
Trump condemned India for having "the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary" trade barriers. Despite this, the strategic importance of deepening U.S. ties with India remains a significant factor in the ongoing geopolitical landscape.
- The increases in China and India's purchases of Russian crude oil, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts like the 2022 Ukraine invasion, have become integral aspects of global politics and general news.
- Amidst the ongoing politics regarding Western sanctions and tariff pressures, the discounted oil sales from Russia to India and China are instrumental in maintaining their financial support and exploiting energy revenues, a topic heavily discussed in general news.
