India to still buy oil from Russia despite Trump threats, say officials
Guardian3 days
Report: India to Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump Warning
Above: A poster of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump in Mumbai on Aug. 1, 2025. Image copyright: Ashish Vaishnav/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's tariffs represent necessary pressure to stop funding Russia's war machine. India's massive Russian oil purchases directly finance Ukraine's destruction, while cheaper alternatives exist from allied nations. Economic consequences necessitate difficult yet morally justifiable energy choices.
Pro-India narrative
India's energy security cannot be held hostage to the volatile American political landscape, which affects 1.4 billion people. Long-term contracts and economic realities make overnight changes impossible, especially when Russian oil remains legally compliant with international frameworks.