The recent reports dismissing the possibility of a Trump-Putin deal in Alaska bring renewed attention to the complexities of global geopolitics. For India, this development underscores a pressing challenge — its heavy dependence on discounted Russian oil amidst Western sanctions.
Since the Ukraine war, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, cushioning its economy against rising global energy prices. However, with shifting power dynamics between the U.S. and Russia, and Washington’s increasing scrutiny of countries trading with Moscow, India faces a strategic dilemma.
On one hand, Russian oil imports support India’s energy security and help contain inflation at home. On the other, India’s deepening ties with the United States — spanning defense, technology, and trade — mean it cannot afford to ignore Washington’s pressure to reduce engagement with Moscow.
If U.S.-Russia tensions escalate further without any compromise, New Delhi may be forced to recalibrate its strategy, possibly by diversifying oil imports from the Middle East and Africa, or by negotiating special arrangements to maintain affordable energy access.
In short, without a Trump-Putin thaw, India must walk a tightrope between energy security and diplomatic balance, ensuring its economic interests are protected while maintaining strong relations with both Washington and Moscow.
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