U.S. President Donald Trump escalated pressure on India’s energy strategy, insisting that additional sanctions termed “Phase-2” and “Phase-3” could be unleashed if New Delhi continues importing energy from Moscow. This warning follows existing tariffs, including a 25% duty and a secondary penalty raising total U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Trump cited India’s status as one of Russia’s largest energy buyers and framed the moves as strong leverage to restrain Moscow’s financial inflows.

India remains unflinching, emphasizing energy imports are guided by strategic need, affordability, and market dynamics especially amid global supply disruptions. Despite the U.S. onslaught, India is steadily diversifying its oil sourcing, tapping into traditional and emerging markets like the Middle East, Africa, Azerbaijan, and North America.

Analysts warn the ticking tariff bomb could deepen the diplomatic clash and fracture long-standing U.S.–India ties yet India’s balancing act across global partnerships continues.