US will finalize a trade deal with India only after India stops buying Russian oil, according to Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. His statement has added new weight to the ongoing debate over India’s balancing act between energy security and global geopolitics.
Lutnick emphasized that the United States cannot move forward on a comprehensive trade agreement while India continues purchasing discounted Russian crude. Washington views these oil imports as a way for Moscow to finance its war efforts. The US expects India, as a key strategic partner, to align more closely with Western sanctions.
India, however, argues that its energy needs require affordable imports. Officials highlight that Russian oil helps control inflation and sustain economic growth in a developing country. New Delhi maintains that it buys oil wherever it finds favorable prices, a stance that reflects its policy of strategic autonomy.
Lutnick’s remarks suggest that Washington will use the trade deal as leverage. By linking energy imports to broader economic cooperation, the US signals that India’s choices carry consequences beyond the energy market. The stalled trade talks now depend on whether India reduces reliance on Russian crude.
This condition complicates India’s position. On one hand, India wants stronger economic ties with the US, including expanded access to technology and investment. On the other hand, it cannot ignore domestic needs for affordable fuel. The balancing act between Washington and Moscow reflects India’s growing role as a global power that resists external pressure.
Did Lutnick’s statement signal a harder US stance? The message appears clear: India must pick between cheap Russian oil and a landmark trade deal with the world’s largest economy. The coming months will test whether New Delhi can recalibrate its strategy without sacrificing national interests.
