Trump's Tariff Tactics Underscore India's Deep-Rooted Defence, Energy Ties With Russia
Trump's decision spotlights India's geopolitical balancing act as it maintains its longstanding relationships with Moscow amid shifting global alliances
US President Donald Trump in a social media post on Wednesday announced new tariffs on India, citing its ongoing purchases of Russian military equipment and energy.
His decision underscores India's geopolitical balancing act as it maintains its longstanding relationships with Moscow amid shifting global alliances.
A legacy of defence ties with Russia
India's defence relationship with Russia is deeply entrenched, dating back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union became India's primary arms supplier due to limited options from Western nations. This partnership was solidified during critical moments, such as the 1971 India-Pakistan War, and has evolved into a 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". Currently, over 50% of India's in-service military platforms are of Russian origin, including Su-30MKI fighter jets, T-90 tanks, and the powerful S-400 Triumf air defence systems.
The reliance on Russian defence equipment is not just historical but practical. Russia has consistently provided competitive pricing, flexible payment terms, and essential technology transfer agreements, which Western countries have often hesitated to match. Joint programmes like the BrahMos cruise missile highlight the depth of this collaboration, moving beyond mere buyer-seller relationships to co-production and co-development.
However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to challenges, including delays in deliveries of spare parts and new systems, prompting India to expedite its diversification efforts and enhance domestic defence production under the Make in India initiative.
India's stand on Russian oil: Pragmatism and energy security
India's substantial intake of Russian oil has also become a significant geopolitical issue, especially since the 2022 conflict in Ukraine. Before the war, Russia accounted for a negligible percentage of India's crude oil imports. As Western sanctions limited Russian energy exports, Moscow began offering substantial discounts, which India, the world's third-largest oil consumer and over 80% reliant on imports, readily accepted.
This strategic shift resulted in Russian oil's share in India's imports soaring, at times exceeding 40% by 2024. India has defended this position, emphasising its duty to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens and stating it will not 'switch off its economy" to appease Western demands. Indian officials, including High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, have highlighted perceived double standards, noting that many European nations continue to engage in other forms of trade with Russia. Despite the EU's sanctions impacting India's Nayara Energy due to its Russian connections, New Delhi has reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions not endorsed by the United Nations.
The Trump administration's imposition of 25% tariffs on Indian exports, along with an additional penalty specifically targeting purchases of Russian oil and weapons, signals increased pressure from Washington. Despite this, India's stance remains firm: its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and the need to secure affordable resources, balancing its long-standing strategic partnerships with its growing global aspirations.
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