Poland Backs India on Russian Oil as US Threatens Steep Tariffs

Poland has voiced support for India amid rising pressure from the United States over New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, as Washington intensifies tariff threats that could reach unprecedented levels. The statement comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with India facing growing scrutiny from Western partners while seeking to balance its strategic and economic interests.

Speaking in Paris following India’s first-ever engagement with the Weimar Triangle grouping, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he was satisfied with India’s recent steps to scale down purchases of Russian oil. Standing alongside External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and senior European leaders, Sikorski indicated that New Delhi’s gradual reduction in imports was a positive signal.

He noted that revenue from Russian energy exports continues to sustain Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine and said the issue could be discussed further during his upcoming visit to India. His remarks reflect a nuanced European position that acknowledges India’s constraints while encouraging diversification away from Russian supplies.

The comments come as ties between India and the United States face renewed strain. US President Donald Trump has stepped up warnings over India’s energy trade with Russia, including backing legislation that could allow Washington to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries that knowingly purchase Russian oil or uranium. Senior US lawmakers have suggested that such measures could be fast-tracked in the coming weeks.

In recent months, the US has already imposed steep duties on Indian goods, including a combination of reciprocal tariffs and penalties linked to Russian oil imports. Trump has publicly signalled dissatisfaction with New Delhi’s position, warning that further trade action could follow if India does not adjust its approach.

Against this backdrop, Jaishankar’s ongoing Europe visit has taken on added significance. He underlined the importance of deeper engagement with European partners, framing it as essential to shaping global norms and stabilising international politics and the global economy. He described Europe as a critical stakeholder in a rapidly changing world order and said India’s partnership with the continent represented significant untapped potential.

During the Paris meetings, Jaishankar participated in India’s inaugural dialogue with the Weimar Triangle, a grouping formed by France, Germany, and Poland to promote political coordination, security cooperation, and dialogue on major geopolitical challenges, including Russia and Ukraine. The talks covered India–EU relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict, with participants characterising the discussions as candid and constructive.

India’s diplomatic outreach coincides with a recalibration of its energy strategy. Data from multiple research bodies shows that while India’s imports of Russian crude remained high through much of 2025, the share has declined in recent months. Russian oil accounted for over a third of India’s crude imports at its peak, but has since fallen below 25 per cent and is expected to drop further.

Several major refiners have paused purchases from sanctioned Russian entities following fresh US measures, while others continue sourcing from non-sanctioned suppliers. Despite the reduction, India remains one of Russia’s largest oil buyers, underscoring the complexity of balancing energy security, geopolitical alignment, and economic stability.

As New Delhi prepares to host senior European leaders in the coming weeks, the message from Poland highlights a broader European willingness to engage India pragmatically, even as pressure from Washington mounts over Russia-linked trade.