US Takes U-Turn on Russian Oil Purchase Amid India–EU Trade Deal, Experts Expose Trump’s Double Standards

Washington/New Delhi: Following the historic India–European Union Free Trade Agreement signed on 27 January, the United States has once again turned its attention to India, signalling growing unease over the new trade pact. While the Trump administration attempted to block the deal prior to its finalisation, India and the EU refused to yield, completing the agreement despite Washington’s pressure.

However, US officials have now begun targeting India over its Russian oil purchases. US Trade Representative Jamison Greer stated that Washington is still closely monitoring India’s crude oil imports from Russia, indicating that the administration does not intend to lift additional tariffs on India anytime soon.

Contradictory Signals from the Trump Administration

Greer’s remarks appear to contradict comments made earlier by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant at the Davos Economic Forum, where Bessant had suggested that a 25% tariff on Russian oil imports successfully reduced India’s purchases and implied that the path to easing sanctions was open. Analysts argue that this inconsistency reflects Trump’s erratic approach, creating unnecessary deadlock in US–India trade relations.

An audio leak involving Senator Ted Cruz has also surfaced, reportedly showing that Trump personally interfered with India–US trade discussions, further complicating the situation.

Experts Call Out Double Standards

Former Indian diplomat Kanwal Sibal described Greer’s statements as a clear example of Trump’s double standards. Writing on social media, Sibal argued that Trump is pursuing business and investment opportunities with Russia while simultaneously pressuring India to reduce its engagement with Moscow. According to Sibal, the administration wants Russia to maintain concessions toward Ukraine but seeks to use India as leverage, restricting India’s Russian oil imports under the pretext of “financing the war.”

Sibal further noted:
“Trump wants to move forward with Russia himself, but expects India to step back. He pressures Zelensky for peace, yet simultaneously wants India to pressure Russia on behalf of Ukraine.”

Growing Trade and Geopolitical Friction

The episode underscores rising US frustration over India’s expanding trade footprint in Europe, as well as tensions surrounding India’s independent energy strategy. Analysts suggest that these contradictory signals could complicate US–India diplomatic and trade relations, even as India positions itself as a growing economic partner for both Europe and the broader Indo-Pacific region.