A War That Reshaped Global Trade
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now well into its third year, has upended not only European security but also global energy markets. With Moscow using oil and gas revenues to finance its war effort, countries buying discounted Russian crude have come under the spotlight. Among them, India—now one of the largest importers of Russian oil—has drawn attention from both Washington and Kyiv. For the United States, President Donald Trump’s tariff measures are aimed at curbing the flow of money into Moscow’s coffers. For Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky sees India’s continued energy trade with Russia as undermining Kyiv’s struggle for survival.
Zelensky Endorses US Tariff Strategy
Speaking to American broadcaster ABC, Zelensky openly backed Trump’s punitive measures, which include doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent and levying an additional 25 per cent duty on crude imports from Russia. “Energy is Putin’s weapon,” he argued, insisting that every barrel of oil purchased from Moscow strengthens the Kremlin’s ability to wage war. He extended his criticism beyond India, pointing fingers at European countries that continue to buy Russian energy despite voicing solidarity with Ukraine. In his view, tariffs on trading partners are a necessary “right idea” to deprive Russia of revenue streams.
Zelensky’s remarks also carried a personal sting. He lamented that Putin received a “grand welcome” during his meeting with Trump in Alaska, contrasting that with Ukraine’s absence from the table. He rejected Putin’s invitation for talks in Moscow, saying: “He can come to Kyiv. I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles.”
India Pushes Back Against Tariffs
New Delhi has condemned Washington’s tariff hike as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials argue that India has consistently called for peace in Ukraine, refrained from supplying arms to Russia, and has only acted to secure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion people. With global oil markets under stress, India’s discounted purchases from Russia have helped temper inflation and stabilize domestic fuel prices.
At the diplomatic level, India stresses that its relationship with Russia is not a zero-sum game. By keeping channels open with Moscow, New Delhi believes it is better positioned to push for dialogue and eventual de-escalation.
Expert Views: Why India’s Trade Makes Sense
Energy analysts highlight that India’s stance is grounded in pragmatism rather than politics. Dr. Rakesh Sharma, an energy economist, notes: “India’s reliance on Russian crude is not ideological—it is economic. Diversifying supply sources at affordable rates is critical for India’s energy security.”
Former diplomat Meera Rao echoes this point: “Unlike Europe, India cannot easily replace Russian oil with other suppliers without jeopardizing its growth trajectory. Moreover, India’s continued engagement with Moscow gives it diplomatic leverage that Western powers, locked in confrontation, may not have.”
Experts further argue that penalizing India through tariffs risks unintended consequences. “Pressuring India too hard could push it closer to Russia and China, which would be counterproductive for US interests,” warns Sanjay Kulkarni, a strategic affairs commentator. Instead, he advocates for Washington to work with India on a phased diversification strategy rather than punitive trade measures.
Escalating Violence, Rising Pressures
Zelensky’s remarks come against a grim backdrop. Russia recently unleashed its largest aerial assault since the war began, with missiles and drones striking cities across Ukraine, killing civilians and igniting government buildings in Kyiv. Trump responded by threatening further sanctions, underscoring how the conflict continues to escalate despite multiple rounds of diplomacy, including his own meeting with Putin last month.
The more intense the war becomes, the sharper the scrutiny on countries trading with Russia. For India, this means every oil tanker from Russian ports now carries not just crude, but also geopolitical baggage.
Striking a Delicate Balance
India’s challenge is clear: it must safeguard its energy needs while preserving strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized world. Zelensky’s frustration is understandable—every dollar funnelled into Moscow’s treasury prolongs Ukraine’s agony. Yet India’s choices are also shaped by domestic compulsions and its desire to maintain constructive relations with all major powers.
As New Delhi prepares to assume leadership roles in multiple global forums, it will have to walk an even finer line—defending its legitimate interests while showing sensitivity to the broader consequences of its trade. The road ahead requires careful diplomacy, economic prudence, and a readiness to mediate rather than exacerbate divides. The Russia-Ukraine war has turned energy into a weapon; India’s task is to ensure that oil remains a source of stability, not conflict, in a fractured world.
(With agency inputs)
