India Bows to U.S. Pressure, Halts Purchase of Russian Oil Despite Claims of an ‘Independent’ Foreign Policy

New Delhi – India, long claiming to pursue an independent foreign policy, has reportedly **yielded to U.S. pressure** by deciding to halt the purchase of Russian oil, marking a major shift in its energy strategy.

According to a report by a U.S. newspaper, the Modi government has **reversed its policy on buying Russian crude**, and from **December 1**, an Indian company’s refinery will operate entirely on **non-Russian crude oil**. India’s decade-long oil agreements with Russia have effectively become meaningless in the face of U.S. sanctions.

The report states that former U.S. President **Donald Trump’s proposed 50% tariff** played a key role in forcing New Delhi to abandon Russian crude. For years, India profited billions of dollars from the import and refining of discounted Russian oil, with one major Indian company alone having deals worth **over $33 billion**.

The newspaper further revealed that the Trump administration made it clear that **no U.S.–India trade deal** could move forward as long as India continued buying Russian oil. Some U.S. advisors even referred to the Ukraine conflict as **“Modi’s war”**, criticizing India’s stance.

Meanwhile, billionaire industrialist **Mukesh Ambani**, a close ally of Prime Minister Modi, has also stopped purchasing Russian crude in compliance with Washington’s directives. As a result, Reliance Industries will now need to buy **more expensive crude from the Middle East and possibly the United States**.

Experts say Reliance’s decision to halt Russian oil imports is a **significant concession to Washington**, highlighting the growing influence of U.S. pressure on India’s energy and foreign policy decisions.