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A photograph depicts oil pump jacks positioned just outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, as seen on July 14, 2025.— Reuters.
– US officials report that trade negotiations are progressing positively.
– Limiting Russian oil imports is considered essential for lowering tariffs and securing a trade agreement, according to negotiators.
– India requires additional efforts to satisfy US concerns, including market access, trade deficits, and Russian oil purchases.
The US trade representatives have conveyed to their Indian counterparts that reducing Indian imports of Russian oil is key to decreasing tariffs and finalizing a trade deal, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.
While progress on trade talks remains promising, a US official noted that more work is needed for India to fully address issues related to market access, overall trade balances, and ongoing Russian oil imports.
President Donald Trump has tried to press India, the European Union, and NATO allies to cut back on Russian oil purchases to deprive Moscow of revenue and hasten the end of the Ukraine conflict.
The Trump administration shows a willingness to leverage maximum pressure to achieve its objectives, as seen in its linking of trade negotiations with India to demands that India curb Russian oil imports.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, a conflict he promised to resolve since taking office.
The US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods to pressure New Delhi into stopping its Russian crude oil imports at discounted rates. Combined with existing tariffs, this raises total duties on Indian exports to 50%, straining trade relations between the two democracies.
However, Trump has avoided imposing further tariffs on Chinese imports related to Russia’s oil purchases, navigating a delicate trade détente with Beijing.
India and China are the top buyers of Russian oil, which already faces numerous US sanctions limiting Moscow’s access to global markets.
In response, India has defended its imports, citing economic benefits and criticizing Western nations for hypocrisy, as they continue trade with Russia despite sanctions.
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