Trump Adviser Says India Makes Its Own Decisions on Russian Oil, Sees Diversification
During a discussion at the Economic Club of New York, US Trade Representative and Trump trade adviser Jamieson Greer spoke about India’s oil purchases from Russia. He emphasized that India is a sovereign nation that makes its own decisions, and the US does not dictate whom India can partner with.
Greer noted that India has not always purchased large amounts of Russian oil, but in the last two to three years, the country has started buying oil from Russia at lower prices, both for domestic consumption and refining for resale.
“India has started diversifying its oil purchases. It’s not that Russian oil is the backbone of the Indian economy. I can already see that they are diversifying,” Greer said.
He reiterated that India controls its own economic decisions and highlighted that the US respects India’s sovereignty in global trade matters.
Trump Tariffs on India and Russian Oil
Under the Trump administration, the US imposed a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% tariff specifically targeting India’s purchases of Russian oil. These measures are part of the US strategy to pressure countries supporting Russia amid the Ukraine war.
Greer explained that the tariffs have been in effect for a few weeks and that the US continues to monitor their impact.
“We buy more from India than we sell to them, worth about US$40 billion. India already has a great trade deal with us, selling much more than we do to them. They are taking a pragmatic approach,” Greer said.
Focus on Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
Greer stressed that the US approach is focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, not solely targeting India. He stated that the US is also in discussions with European allies and China regarding Russian oil purchases.
“We’re trying to put as much pressure on Vladimir Putin as possible. If the war ends, there will be stability, then Russian oil can be discussed again,” Greer added.
