America’s latest salvo against Russia signals a desperate measure by a ‘‘superpower’’ to force India to abandon Russia
The imposition of sanctions on Russia’s energy companies not only signals desperation on the part of the U.S. but also indicates that the so-called “rules-based world order” Washington and its Euro-Atlantic allies preach is nothing but a ruse to bully others who do not follow their commands. With that said, it becomes essential to analyze Washington’s controversial decision.
Pressurizing India
Sanctions have, over the decades, been the most preferred medium of arm-twisting by Washington, D.C. Whenever any country challenges the might of the U.S. in general or refuses to follow its imperialist dictates in particular, the U.S. uses sanctions as a weapon to make them toe the line.
This is particularly true with regard to India. Unlike other democratic countries in the world that more or less follow the U.S. line given Washington’s sheer financial and military power, New Delhi refuses to do so. This stance, however, is rooted in history.
India has been a victim of imperialism and colonialism for a major part of her history. The dark period of British rule in India still evokes painful memories of how the nation’s vitality and enterprising mindset were subjugated under the ruthless boot of the European colonial machinery.
After independence, India made it her mission to be guided by her national interests and to judge each issue on its merits rather than succumbing to external pressures. This is called the policy of strategic autonomy. Right from the days of the Non-Aligned Movement, India has staunchly defended her choices, no matter the cost.
It is in this context that history is repeating itself. Washington is now trying to arm-twist New Delhi into stopping oil imports from Russia completely. India is the world’s third-largest oil-consuming nation, fulfilling its energy needs by importing close to 88% of its oil requirements. Further, India is the world’s most populous country. In that context, it is essential for New Delhi to search for dependable partners who can meet her energy requirements at affordable prices.
Russia fits that category perfectly. At present, Russia is the largest oil exporter to India, accounting for more than 35% of India’s oil imports. Moreover, Russian crude oil is offered at a substantial discount. In doing so, Russia offers the perfect deal for New Delhi.
In light of President Trump’s renewed thrust on boosting American fossil fuel-based energy production, the U.S. is in search of new prospective clients to whom it can export its shale oil and natural gas. What better country than India? A billion-plus people, a rapidly growing economy, and increasing energy needs make India the ideal market.
Bargaining Chip
Apart from forcing New Delhi to scale down its relationship with Moscow, Washington is also using the sanctions card to end the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. This is part of a well-established scheme—Trump has coveted the Nobel Peace Prize ever since he came to office. In trying to stop the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, he seeks not only to win the prestigious award but also to have his name written in history books.
The incumbent American president intends to cement his legacy as a “president of peace” and not a “president of war.” But what is more concerning is that, in his obsession with making history, he is alienating U.S. allies—India particularly.
Furthermore, Washington’s economic warfare against Russia clearly exposes the hollow nature of its moral conscience. By consistently ignoring Moscow’s core security concerns and by using Ukraine as a bargaining chip to try and orchestrate a regime change in Russia, Washington is paying for its own hubris.
Therefore, it is imperative that India continues to stand by Russia. Moscow has always stood by New Delhi—whether during the pre-independence period when the Soviet Union supported India’s freedom cause or in the decades following independence during the Cold War when it supported India against America’s imperialistic actions. It is time that Washington’s illegal “maximum pressure” campaign is foiled.
Pranay Kumar Shome, a research analyst who is a PhD candidate at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar, India
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