Trump’s Envoy to Modi: No Russia Oil, Tariff Deal on US Terms, Break from China

At the hearing, Sergio Gor described Trump’s advice as “crystal clear” — India should stop buying Russian oil, despite New Delhi’s insistence that purchases are guided by cost and energy security. He also flagged India’s large middle-class market as a lucrative opportunity for American goods, particularly in oil and agriculture. On China, Gor stressed pulling India “firmly into America’s camp” to counter Beijing’s expansionism across Asia.

Experts featured in the discussion with journalist Barkha Dutt offered sharp analysis. Former Ambassador Amb Dilip Sinha warned India must prepare for intense US pressure, while strategist Professor Raja Mohan argued that Delhi still has “wiggle room” by keeping oil purchases framed as commercial, not political. Both agreed that India’s challenge lies in balancing ties between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing without compromising its national interest.

The conversation also touched on Trump’s tariff threats, his unpredictable style, and the limits of quiet diplomacy in the current climate. For India, the key question remains: how to maintain autonomy while managing global expectations.

As Barkha Dutt noted, India’s diplomatic moves — from summit optics to trade negotiations — have become a “masterclass in great power diplomacy.” The tough part, she stressed, lies ahead: walking the tightrope between competing powers while keeping India’s interests intact.