The US is taking action against India, imposing tariffs and issuing warnings over India’s continued oil imports from Russia. India has strongly protested these measures, maintaining its right to make independent decisions in its trade relations with Russia. A significant contradiction is highlighted by a prior statement by former US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Garcetti’s past comments reveal that the US had, in fact, encouraged India to purchase Russian oil, with the goal of stabilizing global oil prices. He made these statements at an international affairs conference in 2024. This historical context has become relevant, especially as the US now criticizes India for supporting Russia amidst the Ukrainian crisis. Despite US pressure, India has not indicated it will change its approach and has responded strongly to the US threats.
