Three US House reps introduced a resolution to end Trump's 50% tariffs on India, calling them illegal under IEEPA. Triggered by Russian oil buys, the duties hurt workers and ties. It follows a Senate move on Brazil tariffs.
In the background, the Modi–Jaishankar doctrine is evident. Multi-alignment, not non-alignment, strategic autonomy without yelling anti-West slogans, and a determined unwillingness to let either Washington or Beijing dictate whom India may cooperate with. This is as much about avoiding overdependence on China as it is about rejecting Western pressure.
India and Russia continue to have deeper energy links that are structural rather than transactional. While Rosneft owns over 49% of Nayara Energy's Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, Indian PSUs possess nearly half of Rosneft's Vankorneft subsidiary, a substantial investment in Taas Yuryakh, and a longstanding position in the Sakhalin-1 project.
The European Union, which serves as a key market for RIL, had declared a blanket ban on petroleum product imports that are derived from Russian crude oil in 3rd countries.
US President Donald Trump confirmed a potential visit to India next year, calling PM Modi a "great friend." He said trade talks are "going very well" and praised India for reducing its oil imports from Russia, a key point in the negotiations.
Donald Trump had alleged, "I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia." He added that it might take a little time, but the process would be "over soon."
As India continues to purchase Russian crude oil despite Donald Trump’s additional 25% tariff, Indian refiners now have started making payments to Russia in China currency Yuan.