WASHINGTON( The COW News Digital) India’s claim of maintaining an independent foreign policy has once again come under scrutiny after reports confirmed that New Delhi has cut Russian oil imports by 50 percent under mounting pressure from the United States.
According to White House officials, the decision followed high-level trade and diplomatic talks between Washington and New Delhi, during which the U.S. administration warned India of economic repercussions and additional tariffs if it continued large-scale purchases of Russian crude.
In response, Indian refineries have already begun halving their crude imports from Russia, signaling a major shift in energy policy that had long been a point of contention between the two allies. Sources revealed that Indian oil companies are preparing a phased plan to reduce dependency on Russian supplies, with the transition expected to begin in December 2025.
The move highlights Washington’s growing influence over India’s trade policies and raises questions about the sovereignty of India’s so-called “strategic autonomy” — a core tenet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy narrative.
The U.S. had consistently criticized India’s reliance on discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict, arguing that such purchases undermine Western sanctions imposed on Moscow. American officials reportedly linked continued cooperation in defense, trade, and technology sectors to India’s willingness to align more closely with U.S. sanctions policy.
A day earlier, President Donald Trump publicly claimed during an Oval Office briefing that Prime Minister Modi had personally assured him of halting Russian oil imports. “I wasn’t happy about India buying from Russia,” Trump said. “But Modi assured me it’s being stopped — and it’s a done deal now.”
The statement sparked a political storm, with opposition leaders in India accusing the Modi government of succumbing to American pressure while misleading the public about its foreign policy independence.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement denying Trump’s remarks, claiming that “India makes decisions based on its national interest.” However, analysts argue that the sharp drop in Russian oil imports reflects Washington’s effective leverage over New Delhi.
Energy experts suggest the decision could lead to higher fuel prices in India, as alternative oil sources such as those in the Middle East and Africa come at higher premiums.
Critics warn that the development could strain India-Russia relations, which have historically been anchored in defense cooperation and energy trade, marking a significant geopolitical shift in South Asia’s balance of power.
