Trump’s Double Standards on India!

Article by Satya Published on: 5:10 am, 10 October 2026

Donald Trump has taken a decision that raises questions about his stand on Russian oil. While he has pressured India and China over their purchases of Russian oil, he is now welcoming a deal to bring Russian diesel to the United States.

Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Russia will supply diesel to the US. Calling it a “big deal”, Trump said the fuel supplies would help America at a time when fuel prices are high.

This is where the contradiction comes in. Trump had earlier targeted India for buying Russian oil, arguing that such purchases help Russia fund its war against Ukraine. His administration also imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in 2025 over the issue.

The US has also backed legislation that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil. Now, with America itself preparing to receive Russian diesel, questions are being raised about Washington’s approach.

India has maintained that its energy decisions are guided by national interests and the need to secure affordable fuel. For a country with huge energy requirements, buying oil from different sources is an important part of its strategy.

Trump’s latest move also comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the US-Russia diesel agreement, arguing that it could provide Moscow with more money to continue the war.

The question now is whether the same rules should apply to everyone. If buying Russian fuel is wrong because it supports Moscow’s war effort, how does the US justify its own deal with Russia? Trump’s decision has once again brought his approach to Russian oil and international trade under the spotlight.