US President Donald Trump is trying to break the back of countries like India. The point is simple – US senators have openly threatened to impose 500% tariffs on those who buy oil from Russia. There is a recent bill called the Sanctions in Russia Act of 2025, which seems to be a conspiracy to shut down Russia’s thriving oil and gas business. India, which has become Russia’s largest oil buyer, is now confronting this American move. Meanwhile, Russia has further increased India’s concerns by giving Pakistan the title of “important partner” and “natural ally”.
US politicians Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have pointed fingers at India and China. They say that if you continue to buy Russian oil, we will freeze your economy. Understand the meaning of a 500% tariff – if a barrel of oil costs $100, you will have to pay $600. This is not a minor setback, but something that will break the backbone of the economy.
According to a report by the Washington Post, this bill is an attempt to stop Russia from funding the Ukraine war, but its direct target is countries like India and China, which are buying 70% of Russia’s energy. US Senator Richard Blumenthal said in clear words at a conference in support of Ukraine in Rome that we will break the backs of those who buy Russian oil.”
This was opposed by India’s Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. According to the Global Times, Puri replied, “There was never a global embargo on Russian oil. We are not only strengthening our energy security by buying cheap oil, but also helping to stabilize the global market.”
The reality is that India’s economy runs on oil, and Russia has contributed to India’s economy by providing cheap oil to India. According to an Al Jazeera report, in 2022, when the Ukraine war started, India bought only 2% of its oil from Russia. But now, in 2025, this figure has reached 40%. Russia started selling oil to India at a huge discount after Western sanctions, which reduced India’s import bill and strengthened energy security.
RT International’s report says that in 2015, India-Russia trade was only $6.1 billion, which reached $72 billion in 2024. Of this, $55 billion is only oil. In such a situation, if the US imposes a 500% tariff, then India The wheels of the economy may get stuck. Oil prices are likely to reach 120-130 dollars per barrel, which could send petrol and diesel prices skyrocketing.
So far, India has not bowed to American threats. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made it clear in his talks with Senator Lindsey Graham that India’s energy security is at the forefront. Global Times quoted Jaishankar as saying, “Let’s buy oil from wherever it’s cheap.” We are contributing to keeping the world market stable.”
According to an Al Jazeera report, if India had not bought Russian oil, oil prices could have reached $200 per barrel.
Russia’s new partnership with Pakistan: India’s concern
Recently, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk described Pakistan as an “important partner” and a “natural ally”. This came to light when a Pakistani delegation attended the Innoprom trade fair in Moscow. Russia has started talks with Pakistan about railway connectivity, cargo trains, and setting up a new steel mill in Karachi. This is a matter of crisis for India. The roots of India-Russia friendship are deep, but this new partnership of Russia with Pakistan is pricking the needle of doubt in the mind of India. According to a Global Times report, Russia has said many times that its friendship with India cannot be compared with any other country. But with Pakistan The growing closeness has sparked discussions in India’s political corridors. In this whole game, India stands at a crossroads – on one hand, threats from America, on the other, Russia’s growing friendship with Pakistan. India’s problem is that it can neither completely anger America, nor break the centuries-old friendship with Russia. According to the Washington Post, the aim of America’s strictness is to weaken Russia economically, but its impact is being felt by countries like India. India has so far adopted a policy of not bowing down to American threats, but if this bill is passed, India will have to devise a new strategy.
