India-US Trade Deal Updates Signal Strategic Gains Amid Shifts in Russian Oil Imports
MEA aligns US trade fact sheet changes with joint pact; US sees gains in India's oil shift and defence ties.
India on Thursday stated that recent amendments to a US fact sheet on the interim trade agreement reflect the shared understanding reached in the Joint Statement issued on February 7, 2026. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the Joint Statement remains the guiding framework for implementing and finalizing the Interim Agreement.
The White House had updated its fact sheet on February 10, removing references to certain pulses from India’s tariff reduction commitments, softening language on digital services levies, and changing the phrasing on $500 billion in intended US imports to “intends to buy” more American goods. These changes were described by India as consistent with the mutual understanding reached in the Joint Statement.
Meanwhile, a senior American diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur, told a House subcommittee that India’s gradual reduction in Russian oil imports and increased purchases of American energy are strategic gains for the US in the Indo-Pacific. Kapur highlighted that while enforcement details are not fully outlined, the trend reflects India’s diversification of energy sources.
Also Read: India Falls to Third in Russian Oil Imports After Reliance Cuts Purchases
India had increased imports of discounted Russian oil after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing national interest in energy security. A recent US executive order rescinded the 25% punitive tariff on India, tying the removal to India’s commitment to reduce Russian oil imports and increase US energy purchases. Washington has also established a monitoring mechanism to review compliance.
Beyond energy, Kapur emphasized the expanding defence cooperation between India and the US, including potential weapon system sales to enhance India’s sovereignty and protect its security. He noted that such transactions also create American jobs and strengthen the bilateral strategic relationship.
Framing India’s independent rise as a strategic advantage, Kapur told lawmakers that a capable India helps maintain regional balance in the Indo-Pacific, reducing China’s potential dominance. He stressed that India does not need formal alignment with Washington to serve US strategic interests, highlighting that India’s self-reliant growth itself constitutes a “strategic win” for the US.
Also Read: India Falls to Third in Russian Oil Imports After Reliance Cuts Purchases
