US President Donald Trump has imposed a significant 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s increased purchases of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine conflict. This tariff is a culmination of an executive order that initially included a 25% tariff, which was then raised due to claims that India is exploiting the situation to bolster its oil imports from Russia, directly challenging US geopolitical strategies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has rebuffed this move, arguing that such tariffs are unfair and unjustified, emphasizing that India’s decisions are driven by the need for energy security for its population rather than any strategic maneuvering related to the Ukraine situation. The MEA has also pointed out the inconsistency in US actions, noting that other nations like China and Turkiye, which also import Russian oil, have not faced similar penalties, raising questions about the selective nature of Washington’s sanctions. The imposition of these tariffs reflects broader tensions in US-India relations and underscores India’s commitment to maintaining its energy security independent of external pressures, a stance that resonates with its larger strategic framework in a multipolar world. India’s surge in imports from Russia, which rose from $8.25 billion in 2021 to $65.7 billion in 2024, mainly due to crude oil, contrasts with the US’s drastic reduction in imports from Russia, highlighting a significant divergence in energy strategies between the two nations. Overall, India’s response signifies its intention to protect its national interests while navigating a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, further reinforcing its position as a key player in global energy dynamics.