US May Roll Back 25% India Tariffs After Russian Oil Cuts: Scott Bessent
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
📅 January 26, 2026
Remarks Signal Possible Shift in U.S.–India Trade Policy
The United States may consider rolling back 25 percent tariffs imposed on certain Indian goods if New Delhi significantly reduces its imports of Russian oil, according to remarks by Scott Bessent. The comments point to a potential recalibration of trade policy that links tariff relief to broader geopolitical and energy considerations amid ongoing international pressure on Russia.
Bessent’s remarks come as Washington continues to urge its partners to curb economic ties with Moscow following sanctions imposed over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. India has increased purchases of discounted Russian crude in recent years, a move that has drawn scrutiny from Western governments while remaining within the bounds of existing sanctions.
Link Between Energy Imports and Tariff Policy
Speaking in a policy discussion, Bessent indicated that U.S. officials are reviewing tariff measures in light of allies’ compliance with efforts to limit Russia’s energy revenues. He suggested that a meaningful reduction in India’s Russian oil imports could open the door to easing trade penalties.
The 25 percent tariffs were imposed as part of broader trade actions and have affected select Indian exports to the United States. While Bessent did not specify a timeline or formal proposal, he described the issue as part of ongoing interagency and diplomatic discussions rather than a finalized policy decision.
India’s Position on Russian Oil
Indian officials have repeatedly stated that energy purchases are driven by national interest, affordability, and energy security. New Delhi has argued that its imports of Russian oil comply with international law and have helped stabilize domestic fuel prices.
At the same time, India has maintained that it supports peace and dialogue in the Ukraine conflict and continues to engage with the United States on strategic and economic issues. No official response from the Indian government has yet been issued regarding Bessent’s comments.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Trade
Trade analysts say any rollback of tariffs would be welcomed by Indian exporters and could ease frictions in the U.S.–India economic relationship, which has expanded in recent years across technology, defense, and manufacturing sectors.
However, experts caution that linking tariff relief to energy policy introduces additional complexity. They note that India’s oil sourcing decisions are influenced by global markets and long-term contracts, and that abrupt changes could carry economic costs.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain
It is confirmed that Scott Bessent publicly stated that the United States may consider rolling back 25 percent tariffs on India if there is a reduction in Indian imports of Russian oil. It is also confirmed that no formal decision or agreement has been announced. What remains uncertain is whether such a rollback will occur, the scale of oil import reductions that would be required, and how quickly any policy changes could be implemented.
For now, the remarks underscore how trade, energy security, and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined in U.S.–India relations.
Sources:
Public remarks by Scott Bessent; U.S. trade policy reporting; energy market analysis.
Tags: United States, India, tariffs, Russian oil, trade policy, energy security
News by The Vagabond News.
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