Amid mounting US economic pressure aimed at isolating Russia, Brazil and India have stood their ground by rejecting calls to curb their imports of Russian crude. Washington had dangled the prospect of reduced tariffs on Brazilian goods (some as high as 50 percent) if Brazil agreed to cut back on Russian oil, and threatened steep duties on Indian exports.
Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president of Brazil, told CNN Brazil that the country opposes unilateral economic sanctions unless authorized by the United Nations Security Council. "We will not accept conditions attached to our energy policy in exchange for a tariff deal," he said, underscoring that normal trade relations should remain free from political interference.
The US announcement of potential 50 percent duties on key Brazilian exports (from coffee to meat) raised alarm among exporters. Yet Brazil's leadership views the move as an overstep into sovereign policy decisions and remains firm.
In New Delhi, two government sources told Reuters that existing long-term oil contracts make it impractical to halt purchases overnight. One source noted, "These are long-term oil contracts. It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight." Another added that Indian imports of Russian grades have helped keep global prices in check by buying below the European Union's price cap on Russian oil.
Russia remains India's top supplier, accounting for about 35 percent of its total oil imports. From January to June this year, India lifted roughly 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian crude – a 1 percent year-on-year increase, according to Reuters-cited data.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's pragmatic outlook on energy sourcing: "On our energy requirements … we look at what is available in the markets, what is on offer, and the prevailing global circumstances."
By standing firm, Brazil and India underscore a broader shift in the global energy landscape. Emerging economies are asserting their right to diversify suppliers, even as Western powers use trade tools for geopolitical aims. Markets will be watching how these decisions reshape oil flows and influence talks at upcoming G20 and OPEC meetings.
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Brazil, India reject U.S. demands to stop buying Russian oil
cgtn.com
