US tariff order shadows India's stance on Russian oil
US tariff order shadows India's stance on Russian oil
Delhi weighs a White House directive citing Delhi's pledge to curb Moscow oil as ministries deliberate the path ahead for a new India-US trade framework.
New Delhi — In a press briefing, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal outlined more details of the India-US trade deal, while stressing that the External Affairs Ministry would provide clarity on whether India will curb oil purchases from Russia. The question on Moscow oil came as the White House issued an executive order aiming to modify duties tied to Russia and included language suggesting India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil, as well as to expand energy purchases from the United States. The order warned that punitive tariffs could be reimposed if such imports resume.
Separately, the joint statement announced by India and the US references a broad energy and economic framework and a potential bilateral trade deal, noting plans to boost energy and industrial cooperation, but it does not explicitly mention Russia. It also says India intends to buy substantial energy products and related goods from the US in coming years, and that tariffs on US goods would be reduced or eliminated in return.
Industry sources say Delhi ministries have not yet issued a final position, keeping the matter in a state of transition as negotiators push toward an Interim Framework for a Bilateral Trade Agreement. The juxtaposition of a tough US tariff order and a still-developing trade framework highlights the delicate balance New Delhi is trying to strike between diversifying energy sources, maintaining strategic ties with Moscow, and advancing a broader US-backed trade agenda.
