By Admin 
Oil has always been not only a source of energy for India, but it has also been an important pillar of its foreign policy and economic stability. For a country with a population of 140 crore, the question of energy security is directly related to inflation, growth rate and social stability, but as energy trade is becoming a weapon in global politics, India’s oil import is also no longer just an economic decision. The US’s threats of tariffs and sanctions on its trading partners related to Russia and Iran have further increased this sensitivity.
After the Ukraine war, India gave relief to its domestic economy by purchasing cheap crude oil from Russia, but now there is strict monitoring and pressure from America regarding this decision. On the other hand, the American proposal to open Venezuelan oil to India is being considered a major strategic turning point in this entire incident. The question is whether India will be able to take independent decisions for its energy needs or will it have to change its policy according to the global balance of power?
India’s energy dependence and strategic compulsion
India is the third largest oil importer in the world. About 90 percent of the country’s crude oil needs are met through imports. Oil plays an important role in every sector like transportation, power generation, industry, agriculture and logistics. In such a situation, even a slight fluctuation in oil prices in the global market has a direct impact on inflation, rupee exchange rate and government subsidies in India. Before the Ukraine war, India’s oil imports were mainly dependent on Middle-Eastern countries, but after the war, due to Western sanctions, Russia provided crude oil at concessional rates. India took advantage of this opportunity and gave priority to economic stability along with energy security. This decision is making India a sensitive partner in the eyes of America today.
Oil purchases from Russia and US tariff pressure
After the Ukraine war, America and its allies imposed comprehensive economic sanctions on Russia. Although India did not formally participate in these sanctions, it faced constant diplomatic pressure to buy oil from Russia. According to reports, India has purchased crude oil worth more than 140 billion euros from Russia since 2022. US President Donald Trump made this issue more aggressive. He threatened to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries buying oil from Russia, such as India, China and Brazil.
Fear of Iran and 25 percent additional tariff
America has announced to impose 25 percent additional tariff on Iran’s trade partners. India has been an important trading partner of Iran. Be it oil import or strategic projects like Chabahar Port. In such a situation, it is feared that this new tariff may be applicable to India also.
venezuelan oil
The most interesting twist in this entire incident has come regarding Venezuelan oil. America is now ready to sell Venezuelan oil to India. This is the same Venezuela from which India had earlier stopped buying oil due to US sanctions.
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