Stories
America's Pressure Tactics Backfire as India-US Trade Deal Stalls
- •Trump administration's strategy to pressure India into cutting ties with Russia through the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act has completely backfired.
- •Geopolitical expert Brahma Chellaney noted that Washington's attempt to use the threat of 100% tariffs to force India has failed, exposing American double standards as China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil.
- •India refused to compromise on its sovereignty and economic interests, prioritizing the protection of its farmers, small traders, and domestic industries over a pressurized trade deal.
- •Despite Western sanctions, India-Russia relations remain strong, with India continuing to source discounted energy to stabilize its economy.
- •New Delhi maintains its multi-aligned diplomacy, proving that future India-US relations must be built on mutual respect and equality rather than threats.
Key Questions Answered
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act is a US law granting the President unlimited authority to impose heavy penalty tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that continue buying oil and gas from Russia. The legislation aims to disrupt decades-old strategic ties between India and Russia by penalizing major energy buyers.
The trade agreement stalled because the US demanded that India fully open its industrial, agricultural, and digital markets without hurdles while simultaneously hanging the threat of 100% tariffs over its head. India refused to compromise its sovereignty, farmers' interests, and domestic industries under pressurized negotiation tactics.
According to Kpler data, India's Russian crude oil imports were estimated at around 18 to 20 million barrels per day in June 2026, making up roughly 35% to 40% of India's total maritime crude imports. Russia continues to remain India's largest energy supplier despite Western pressure and sanctions.
