India-Russia ties face tough test under US pressure
Summary
India's ties with Russia face strain amid US pressure over oil purchases and sanctions, even as bilateral trade and defence cooperation continue.
Key Points
- India imported nearly 36% of its crude oil from Russia in 2024, helping Moscow amid Western sanctions but straining relations with the US.
- The US has imposed tariffs and pressured India to reduce Russian oil imports, which India has begun to do according to trade data.
- Russia remains a major arms supplier to India, but India is diversifying its defence procurement and boosting domestic production.
- India balances its long-standing alliance with Russia while expanding ties with the US and Europe under its policy of non-alignment.
