The diplomatic friction between the US and India has escalated significantly, with Washington officially moving to impose an unprecedented 50 per cent tariff on certain Indian goods. This punitive action, set to take effect from August 27, is a direct retaliatory measure against India's continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. US officials argue that these energy imports are undermining sanctions and financing the Kremlin's war effort. The move comes as a major blow to India’s key labour-intensive export sectors, pushing two nations that have otherwise sought to strengthen strategic ties into a critical juncture.
PM Modi's refusal to engage
While the US has resorted to economic pressure, New Delhi has responded with a firm diplomatic freeze. According to a report by the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to take at least four phone calls from President Trump in recent weeks. The newspaper’s analysis suggests this unprecedented action signals both the depth of his anger and a strategic caution. This is believed to be a calculated move to avoid a potential trap where Trump might publicly declare a deal over the phone that had not been formally agreed upon. The diplomatic silence also reflects India's steadfast commitment to its strategic autonomy, with experts noting that Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy is failing because India never intended to be an exclusive ally against China.
Jaishankar's counter-offensive
Amid the silence from the Prime Minister's Office, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has led India's public defence. During a recent visit to Moscow, Jaishankar stated that India was perplexed by Washington's threats. He highlighted the hypocrisy in the US position, reminding reporters that the US had previously encouraged India's purchase of Russian oil to stabilise global energy markets. Jaishankar also pointed out that China and the EU are far larger buyers of Russian energy, suggesting a double standard. While the US administration continues its vocal criticism of India, alleging profiteering and that the nation is acting as a "laundromat for the Kremlin," New Delhi remains resolute that its energy decisions are driven purely by national interest.