The situation with the import of Russian oil in India worsens relations with the USA

• Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imported goods due to purchases of Russian oil.
• India is turning to China for the first time in seven years amid worsening US ties.
• India plans to strengthen ties with BRICS in response to US pressure.

Relations between the USA and India have seriously worsened due to the pressure from US President Donald Trump on India to halt imports of Russian oil. On September 6, 2025, Trump signed a decree imposing a 50% tariff on Indian imported goods due to purchases of oil from Russia. This tariff includes an additional 25% on the existing 25% tariff that is already in place.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is facing pressure from the opposition and society, which is demanding that he protest against Trump, considering such actions "unacceptable." India has indicated that the tariff is "unreasonable and unsubstantiated," and has pledged to use all necessary measures to protect its national interests.

This situation has arisen against the backdrop of increasing relations between India and Russia, given that approximately 35-40% of the oil that India imports comes from Russia, whereas earlier this figure was only 3% in 2021. Trump also emphasized that India is helping finance Russia's war against Ukraine.

Modi plans to pivot to China in September 2025 for participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will be its first visit to China in the last seven years. This visit will take place against the backdrop of worsening relations with the USA, particularly regarding sanctions and pressure that Trump exerts.

Analysts indicate that India intends to gradually restore relations with the USA, while simultaneously strengthening ties with other countries that have also suffered from Trump's tariffs, including BRICS countries. It has been noted that India does not have the leverage that China does to force Trump to change his policy.

Along with experts, the situation could lead to a new crisis, which threatens to undermine the already fragile relations between the USA and India.

Tags: USA/Russia/Politics/Energy