This article discusses Russia’s efforts to actively bypass sanctions made by the west so that India can continue importing oil. This is a push back from Russia as international efforts try to isolate Moscow economically. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India became one of the biggest buyers. Recently, however, U.S. sanctions on major exporters such as Rosneft and Lukoil have threatened those supplies and resources. India is also working around sanctions by finding alternate routes and methods to ensure Russian oil imports continue. Because of this, India-US relations have strained as the US is imposing tariffs to pressure India to stop Russian oil imports. India is defending its independence and sovereignty as a nation by putting its economic interest first and Russia is promising to continue deliveries.
This article is important because it shows how global energy markets intertwine with politics. India’s reliance on Russian oil gives Russia leverage and strengthens their diplomatic and economic relations but also exposes it to pressure and sanctions from the West. This issue highlights conflict between need and political values as India’s economy depends on Russian oil especially as it is a cheap source of energy yet that harms its relations with the West and how it is perceived regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia will probably respond by continuing to create trade channels and find alternate routes to explore and maintain oil revenue and trade with India. India will most likely defend its energy source and strategy by maintaining relations with Russia through exports but also diversifying its suppliers to reduce backlash and perhaps negotiate with the US to reduce tariffs. The US will most likely push for stricter sanction and tariffs to reduce allies and surrounding nations dependent on Russian energy to harm Russia’s economy.
This article connects to IB GP themes of power and sovereignty and interdependence. The sanctions inflicted on India show power from the US over India and a proxy but impacts the sovereignty of India as being able to govern with its own interest in mind. It shows interdependence through trade and economics and how it can limit the effectiveness of sanctions. This situation shows how power struggles between two influential powers, the US and Russia, can harm states that rely on them.