B2C Buzz

India Will Protect Its Interests But... Russian Oil and Tariffs What the U.S. Spokesperson Said.

Nitin Srivastava, Editor, BBC Hindi 26 September 2025.

Reference to BBC.COM. The relationship between India and the United States has always been strategic, however, recent events reveal that even the close allies may disagree on certain matters. With negotiations still in progress over trade, tariffs and energy, the question remains: Can both countries in the near future make a major trade agreement? So how does U.S. interest in defense market in India influence this relationship?

The U.S. State Department spokesperson Margaret Makeliod talked exclusively to BBC Hindi editor Nitin Srivastava on some of the burning issues that have a direct impact on India. She highlighted that to the U.S. there is a vast scope of cooperation with India but she admitted that the two countries would always disagree on certain areas considering the national interests of each country.

India’s acquisition of Russian oil has created one of the most controversial issues in recent days. The former President Donald Trump has condemned India multiple times as it persists in purchasing Russian oil, claiming that the funds fuel Russian war crimes in Ukraine. To the U.S., India’s oil imports are not only a matter of energy—they also carry a geopolitical nature.

India on the other hand has insisted that it makes decisions based on national interests and energy security needs. Indian officials have also noted that other leading nations purchase Russian oil and that New Delhi is cautiously balancing its energy requirements without directly supporting the war. Makeliod recognized this subtlety and said that although the U.S. has its own concerns, it understands that India is sovereign and it needs to protect its own national interests.

On the trade front, the two countries are holding talks on international tariffs and market access. Makeliod emphasized that a strong economic relationship has helped the two countries and highlighted that the U.S. is eager to find ways that will increase trade without interfering with the domestic priorities of each country.

According to experts, long-term diplomacy and understanding will resolve the differences related to Russian oil and tariffs. To India, energy security and strategic autonomy remain non-negotiable issues, while the U.S. continues to insist on alignment with certain wider geopolitical issues. Makeliod expressed hope that further discussions and cooperation might reduce the gaps and improve the overall bilateral relationship.

Simply put, Washington’s tone is as follows: there is a lot of space to collaborate with, and both nations are doing their best to make sure that conflicts do not penetrate the larger strategic relationship.

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