India’s oil calculus and reality behind Trump’s claims |
The conclusion of a long-anticipated trade agreement between India and the United States has reignited debate over New Delhi’s energy strategy and its geopolitical positioning between Washington and Moscow. The controversy was triggered not by the agreement itself, but by a public claim from US President Donald Trump that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and instead shift toward buying large volumes of American, and potentially Venezuelan, energy supplies as part of a broader commercial realignment.
The claim immediately fueled speculation that India was preparing to downgrade its energy ties with Russia under US pressure, raising questions about the future of Russian–Indian relations and the durability of New Delhi’s strategic autonomy. Indian authorities reiterated a long-standing policy position: India will continue diversifying its energy suppliers based on market conditions, pricing, and logistical feasibility.
According to Reuters, India has begun purchasing oil from Venezuela. Reliance Industries of India has acquired 2 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, according to traders.
This clarification matters. Over the past several years, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, a shift driven by favorable pricing and refinery compatibility rather than political alignment. At the same time, New Delhi has steadily expanded imports from other producers, including recent purchases of........