India’s Balancing Act on Ukraine Becomes Untenable Under US Pressure

India’s carefully calibrated balancing act on the Ukraine war is becoming increasingly untenable under immense pressure from the United States, which culminated in President Donald Trump’s public denunciation at the UN General Assembly. New Delhi’s strategy of maintaining ties with both Russia and the West is being directly challenged by Washington.
For months, India has navigated the geopolitical minefield by refusing to condemn Russia, its long-time defense partner, while simultaneously calling for a peaceful resolution and deepening its strategic partnership with the US. A key part of this strategy has been the continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, which India defends as crucial for its energy security.
However, Trump’s UN speech signaled that the US will no longer tolerate this neutrality. By branding India a “primary funder” of the war, he effectively declared that in this conflict, countries are either with the US or against it. This black-and-white framing leaves no room for the nuanced, middle-path approach that India has historically favored.
The pressure is not merely rhetorical. The US has used its economic might to force India’s hand, imposing 50% tariffs on its goods. Trump’s threat of more sanctions is a clear message that the economic pain will continue to escalate until India abandons its energy trade with Moscow.
This uncompromising stance is further complicated by Trump’s other comments, such as his claim of stopping an India-Pakistan war, which India denies. The entire episode highlights the growing difficulty for India to maintain its strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized world, where great powers demand complete alignment from their partners.