NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON, Feb 14— In a move that could redefine global energy markets and the geopolitical landscape of 2026, the White House has asserted that India has “committed to stop” purchasing Russian oil. This claim, central to a newly struck bilateral trade agreement, has triggered a wave of diplomatic maneuvering between Washington, New Delhi, and Moscow.
The Trade Deal: Tariffs for Oil?
On February 7, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing a punitive 25% tariff previously imposed on Indian goods. The White House fact sheet explicitly stated this reduction was “in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil,” both directly and indirectly.
Under the new framework, the reciprocal tariff rate on most Indian goods has been slashed from 50% to 18%. In exchange, the US expects India to:
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Halt all Russian crude imports over a transitional period.
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Shift energy sourcing to the United States and potentially Venezuela.
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Commit to $500 billion in purchases of American goods (energy, tech, and agriculture) over the next five years.
New Delhi’s Tightrope Walk: “National Interest First”
Despite the emphatic language from Washington, the Indian government has maintained a more nuanced public stance. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India’s energy decisions are guided by “market conditions” and “national interest.”
“Ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority,” stated MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
While India has not officially confirmed a total “halt” in the bilateral joint statement, data reveals a significant shift. India’s imports of Russian crude dropped to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2026—the lowest level in over three years—down from a 2025 peak of 2.09 million bpd.
Moscow’s Reaction: “Only Trump has Said This”
The Kremlin has been quick to dismiss the US claims as “coercive.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the State Duma on February 11 that he had not heard any such confirmation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other Indian leaders.
“Except for US President Donald Trump, nobody else has declared that India will stop buying Russian oil,” Lavrov said, accusing Washington of using “blackmail” to force its LNG and crude on strategic partners.
Economic Implications for India
If India proceeds with a full phase-out, the economic impact will be two-fold:
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Loss of Discounts: India saved billions in 2024–2025 by purchasing discounted Russian Urals. Transitioning to US or Middle Eastern grades could increase the domestic fiscal burden.
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Market Access: The removal of US tariffs provides a massive boost to Indian exporters in sectors like textiles, jewelry, and engineering, which were struggling under the 50% duty regime.
Trump Claims PM Modi Assured Halt to Russian Oil Purchases; New Delhi Yet to Confirm
DEEP DIVE: The “Transaction” Behind the India-US Trade Deal – Win-Win or Yielding to Pressure?
