When it comes to international relations, there is hardly any relationship that is as complicated as the one between India and the United States. India and the U.S. are the two largest democracies in the world and have several common values along with strategic interests; however, in recent years there has been a severe contradiction in the actions of India compared to the expectations of the U.S. Most recent is the spot of contention in this tenuous relationship, as India has continued to buy Russian oil, despite the strong-armed threats of prior U.S. President Donald Trump directly into a camera. As India’s oil imports from Russia continue unabated, the question looms larger: Is India truly a reliable partner, or is it simply exploiting the system to suit its own self-interests?
The Indian stance as regards the issue of Russian oil has been decisive. India has not succumbed in the face of the threats issued by Trump to slap massive tariffs on Indian imports as punishment, as the country is determined to continue with the purchase of Russian oil. Indeed, Indian authorities have affirmed that their nation will not stop acquiring oil in Russia, despite the U.S. allegations that India goes against it in the process of funding the current Russian war in Ukraine. It is not only an economical issue that India is facing but also a careful balancing act between the geopolitics in the world as well as the imperatives at home.
Indian Calculation
India’s decision to defy U.S. demands is a calculated move rooted in long-term strategic thinking. The move taken by India to disobey the U.S. is a strategic move taken based on long-term strategies. Being one of the top three importers of oil in the world, India has an important economic interest in ensuring the availability of quality and affordable sources of energy. The volatile nature of the world oil market has always been unpredictable, and hence, getting Russian oil on discount is a great economic edge that India will receive. With the sanctions on Russia being unprecedented by the Western countries, the Russian oil is offered at a rate that is too good to be missed by India at any cost of irking the U.S.
Additionally, the approach of India points at its increasing uneasiness with the U.S. policies perceived by India as self-serving. The U.S. has frequently coerced India to follow the same policy as that of Washington, especially concerning matters such as defense, foreign trade, and sanctions. But the nature of Indian foreign policy had been strategic autonomy; that is, it tries to maximize its national interests and play both sides of the coin. This has especially been seen in how India is keen to import Russian oil without the fear of losing its attraction to the West or losing its relations with the U.S.
India has always had an effective association with the U.S., especially in the sphere of defense and technologies. Within the last ten years, India has entered into a multiplicity of defense and trade agreements with the USA and has become one of the biggest buyers of American defense technology. Nonetheless, New Delhi has on several occasions ignored the expectations of the United States at the expense of its interests. The pattern of refusing to obey the commands of the U.S. on Russian oil is not the first case of India doing so.
India cannot agree with the same degree of policy convergence with the U.S., since its American ally has long offered India strategic support in its rivalry with China. India has proved that it is not always supportive of the United States, such as in resisting pressure to sanction Iran or even economic relations with Russia. When it comes to its own interest, New Delhi is not averse to riding on the benefit of Washington, but when it comes to its own national interest, New Delhi is not afraid to marginalize the U.S. concerns.
The Russian Oil Dilemma
Russian oil is not just an economic concern to India but a reflection of a bigger question on the role of India in the international arena. Time and again India has proved that it does not mind being in grey zones, as it prefers to be on a certain side in this case and with another side at another point. This is especially witnessed in the manner in which India has approached the situation concerning the war in Ukraine. The United States and other allies have criticized Russia and imposed harsh sanctions in regard to the Ukraine invasion; however, India has chosen a neutral position and has prioritized the need to ensure steady ties with Russia through its defense and energy relationships.
The move by India to follow through with purchasing Russian oil even though the Western world has instilled sanctions against Russia is a strong indication to the U.S. and other Western countries that India does not want to be dictated on how to act at whatever cost. The fact is that India believes that she is an emerging global power and is not ready to be a follower of any other country, even the U.S. This shift also acts as a reminder to Washington of the fact that India is not afraid to take initiatives that avowedly run counter to the avowed U.S. foreign policy objectives.
India’s actions raise a broader question: Is India truly a like-minded partner to the U.S., or is it a strategic free rider? On the surface, it may seem that India is a reliable ally, especially in the context of shared security concerns, particularly vis-à -vis China. However, India’s behavior suggests that it is more interested in extracting benefits from the U.S. without fully embracing the responsibilities and policy alignment that come with being a true partner.
The Indian position on Russian oil may not be that of mere oil after all; it is a way of saying that India has some priorities and there have to be some conditions to its relationship with the U.S. Whilst remaining on the side of both, India may also risk losing friends in the international community, as it leads to the failure to reach collective action on major propositions like sanctions and governance.
The recent policy of India to buy Russian oil even after being threatened by the U.S. is not all about oil supply but also about the assertion of Indian foreign policy. The move of disobeying the will of the U.S. is a push by India to practice its strategic autonomy and confirm its determination to uphold its national interests first before the multiple influences that are exerted by others. It is yet to be seen whether this strategy will ultimately go towards the long-term goals of India. Nevertheless, it is evident that India will maintain its manipulations in shaping its relationship with the U.S. and how it will be on the global platform in the future years.
