Former Indian High Commissioner Vikas Swarup pointed out that India's economic strength and strategic importance provide the country with valuable cards in negotiations with the US

Chinese refiners are reducing Saudi oil orders, hinting at a shift towards Russian crude due to its competitive pricing. While China defends its Russian oil imports as legitimate, the US has pressured India with tariffs over similar purchases.

Tariffs on Indian exports to the United States will surge to 50 percent by late August, as part of an effort by President Trump to pressure Russia into resolving its war in Ukraine.