New Delhi, August 4, 2025 : In a firm response to mounting pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to energy independence, signaling that the country will not bow to US demands to halt Russian oil imports and urges all countryman to “Buy Local“.
The reaction comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 25% tariff on Indian goods, set to take effect on August 7. The move, widely seen as a punitive response to India’s ongoing energy trade with Moscow, marks a new low in diplomatic tensions between the two democracies.
Addressing a public rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, Modi invoked the spirit of “Swadeshi,” encouraging citizens to prioritize Indian-made products and services. “India will take decisions based on its national interest. We won’t be dictated to by external powers,” he declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
According to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed officials, the Indian government has issued no directive to stop crude purchases from Russia. Both state-owned and private refiners remain free to source oil based on commercial considerations.
“Energy security is non-negotiable,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Geopolitical alignments aside, our refiners will continue to make decisions based on market dynamics, not political coercion.”
India has significantly ramped up its Russian oil imports since 2022, leveraging steep discounts offered by Moscow amid global sanctions. This has helped the South Asian giant manage inflation and meet surging energy demands.
While the US has long expressed concerns over India’s ties with Russia, including defense deals and energy contracts, the Modi government has maintained that its foreign policy is guided by strategic autonomy.
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Experts believe the situation could further strain bilateral trade talks and complicate India’s broader global positioning.
“Modi’s stance reflects a broader shift in India’s foreign policy — one of pragmatic nationalism,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, a senior fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs. “He’s betting on India’s growing economic clout to stand firm against Western pressure.”
With just days left before the new tariffs kick in, New Delhi is expected to hold backdoor talks with US officials, though no official meetings have been announced.
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