By Gloria Nosa
Once celebrated as one of the most promising strategic partnerships in the 21st century, relations between the United States and India have recently taken a frosty turn — and the flashpoint is Russia’s oil.
Washington and New Delhi have long enjoyed strong ties, collaborating on defense, trade, and regional security, particularly in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, India’s decision to ramp up imports of discounted Russian crude oil since the start of the Ukraine war has created mounting tension between the two nations.
The US, which has rallied its allies to impose sanctions and reduce economic dependence on Moscow, sees India’s flourishing oil trade with Russia as undermining global efforts to isolate President Vladimir Putin. American officials have privately expressed frustration, warning that such moves could weaken the coordinated front against Russia’s military aggression.
India, on the other hand, has firmly defended its actions, citing economic necessity and national interest. With a population of over 1.4 billion and growing energy demands, New Delhi insists that buying cheaper Russian oil helps keep domestic fuel prices stable, protect its economy, and support its post-pandemic recovery. Officials have also stressed that India is not violating any international laws and that the oil trade remains outside the scope of existing sanctions.
Despite public reassurances from both governments that their partnership remains strong, the diplomatic undercurrent tells a different story. US-India dialogues have grown more cautious, and joint initiatives have slowed in pace, suggesting that the oil issue has introduced a level of mistrust into the relationship.
Analysts warn that if left unresolved, the dispute could create long-term friction, potentially affecting cooperation in areas such as defense technology transfers, clean energy projects, and critical supply chain security. For now, both nations appear locked in a delicate balancing act — trying to preserve a vital strategic alliance while standing their ground on a divisive energy policy.
In a world where geopolitics and energy markets are tightly intertwined, the US-India partnership faces a stark reality: oil, once a lifeline for economies, is now a source of diplomatic strain.
