India-US-Russia Relations Post 2025 Alaska Summit
The August 2025 Alaska Summit between United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin marked moment in global diplomacy. However, its impact on India’s foreign policy and bilateral ties with the US and Russia remains complex and uncertain. India’s strategic interests faced challenges as the summit failed to produce clear outcomes beneficial to New Delhi.
Alaska Summit Overview
The Trump-Putin meeting showed warmth but no major policy shifts. India hoped the summit would ease US pressure over its ties with Russia. Expectations included rollback of US secondary sanctions on India’s Russian oil imports and resumption of stalled India-US trade talks. These hopes were dashed as US maintained a tough stance, with Trump’s senior advisor, Peter Navarro, affirming punitive tariffs aimed at India.
US Sanctions and Trade Tensions
The US imposed 25% secondary sanctions on India for buying Russian oil. Reciprocal tariffs also remain in place, affecting India’s exports. The sanctions appear more about geopolitical signalling than consistent policy, given US trade with Russia and China’s larger Russian oil imports. India’s refusal to credit Trump for mediating India-Pakistan ceasefire further strained ties.
India’s Diplomatic Challenges
India’s reliance on personal diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed limitations. Despite multiple high-profile meetings with US and Chinese leaders, India could not prevent tensions or policy setbacks. The summit brought into light the need to prioritise substantive agreements over ceremonial diplomacy.
Strategic Autonomy and Global South Support
India’s principle of adhering only to UN-mandated sanctions faced tests. Compliance with US demands on Iranian and Venezuelan oil earlier may have encouraged further pressure on Russian oil imports. Resisting such pressure has won India support among Global South countries and affirmed its strategic autonomy, though it risks economic costs.
Future Diplomatic Directions
India’s upcoming engagements include visits to Japan, China, the US, and South Africa, and hosting the Quad Summit. These offer opportunities to diversify partnerships and reduce dependence on any single power. A more assertive stance is needed to counteract US tariffs and sanctions that harm India’s economy and sovereignty.
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